The incidence of anxiety and stress is commonplace in today’s society. Anxiety is something we all feel and serves a very useful purpose in our lives. But when these emotions become overwhelming they can cause serious complications in your daily routine.

The theory that stress is the contributing cause of anxiety is widely known. Thus, in order to effectively overcome anxiety, stamping out the root of the problem is advised. Knowing what causes you the undue amount of stress is often the optimum diagnosis. The problem is that stress is a subjective disorder and hundreds of factors can lead to the culmination of stress.

One of the body’s natural remedies is endorphins, which can effectively combat stress. Endorphins can help to alleviate pain and enhance a person’s mood. However, when anxiety and stress strike, the release of this neurotransmitter into the brain is impeded and the effects of endorphins are diminished. This causes a heightened sense of fear and dread.

An elevated state of negative emotions can cause one to behave irrationally. Fear will drive one into dysfunction and a state of hysteria. While panic attacks have no detrimental effects on physical health, repeated episodes of these emotional swings can have destructive side effects on the mental wellness of the person.

The Start of the Cycle

A full blown panic attack that is caused by excessive worry usually happens in lightning speed and without any precautionary signs. The sufferer becomes restless and he experiences sweaty hands, a pale or flushed complexion and he always feels clammy. He perceives his situation to be threatening and he believes that terror will strike him soon. This overwhelming sense of fear causes him to feel as if he is about to die and that he will not survive the trauma. The duration of each attack can last up to hours in extreme cases, although on average the sufferer endures it for 30 to 45 minutes. The experience usually renders the victim mentally drained and physically weary.

Anxiety and stress can also cause long term effects that are destructive in nature. The victim is often lethargic as he is unable to fall asleep due to constant worrying. Sleep deprivation can cause physical conditions such as migraines and irritability and clenched jaws and grinding teeth. The victim now also lacks the ability to concentrate as he is easily irritable. In worst case scenarios, he develops an explosive behaviour.

All these problems will ultimately cause the patient to develop agoraphobia, which is a fear of leaving the safety of one’s house. This will only further aggravate the matter as he now has to deal with the phobia and seek help for his sporadic anxiety attacks.

Treatment and Recovery

There are many physiological problems associated with anxiety and stress. These include thyroid disorders, hypoglycaemia, heart attacks and several other myocardial complications. To treat these complications, the root of the problem must be eradicated. Some effective treatments for mood disorders include psychotherapy, medications and behaviour modification.

A lifestyle revamp is also important if one is to cure himself of panic attacks. Adopting a healthier lifestyle and exercising regularly not only have physical benefits but it also eliminates stress and clears one’s mind. One’s dietary habits should also change, and the consumption of health supplements and healthy food will contribute to mental wellness. Hypnotherapy can also help one to overcome some phobias and it is fast becoming a popular choice of treatment. The key to keeping future episodes in check is to detect the problem early and seek treatment immediately.