Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a mental and physical unease about future events, resulting in the activation of the stress response. These feelings of unease can stem from real or imagined threats. Anxiety is a common and normal emotion that is a vital part of your everyday life; it's the body's response to a perceived danger that can be useful to maximise our chance of survival. Still, when anxiety occurs without apparent provocation or is excessive, it will be diagnosed as a disorder (disruption to normal functioning). This extreme Anxiety results in deterioration in performance and emotional and physical discomfort.
Anxiety disorders are an exaggerated fear or tension that causes psychological and physical distress affecting the heart, nervous system, cognition and skin. Some common symptoms of anxiety are;
- Muscle tension
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Increased respiration rate
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep problems.
- Obsessive overthinking
- Avoidance
- Anger
- Moping
- Headaches
- Panic Attacks
Anxiety is a common mental health condition. A 2023 study conducted on our behalf by Opinium found that nearly three-quarters of the UK population had felt anxious at least sometimes in the previous two weeks, and one in five people (20%) felt anxious most or all of the time.
The Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is excessive anxiety and worries that are intense and persistent and interfere with their everyday lives that the individual finds difficult to control. Generalised anxiety can occur in children and adults, but you are at a higher risk if you have a family history, have suffered trauma or have been in a long-term high-stress environment.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder revolves around anxiety concerning separation from home or attachment figures. It is most common in infants and young children, with symptoms ranging from anticipatory uneasiness to full-blown anxiety about segregation. However, adults can also experience separation anxiety, which can manifest in a variety of different ways; for example, you may excessively contact a loved one to check in while at work.
Specific Phobia
A specific phobia is a marked or intense fear of a particular object or situation, such as flying, needles, blood or heights. The phobia generally triggers an immediate reaction from the individual upon contact. It is common for people with specific phobias to have more than one unrelated phobia; for example, you may experience a phobia around spiders and while driving.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety is an intense fear of social situations in which others may scrutinise the individual, including social interaction, being observed and performing in front of others. This form of anxiety can occur while in a social situation but can also include ongoing fears and overthinking about future meetings, parties or meeting new people.
Panic Disorder
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or exceptional discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and includes accelerated heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, shaking, sweating and nausea or abdominal distress. While many people may experience a panic attack in their lives, panic disorder is when these attacks reoccur. Approximately 1% of the population in the UK has panic disorder.
Treatment
There is a broad range of treatment options available for various anxiety disorders. It is essential to consult a trained professional to be diagnosed with the correct disorder and advised of the appropriate treatment options. Psychological treatment will be the first line of treatment, while in more severe cases, medication can also be effective.
Treatment may include talking to a psychologist who attempts to adapt your thinking patterns to manage your anxiety symptoms better while reducing irrational worries. Therapies may include:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy is a practical treatment approach for a range of mental and emotional health issues, including anxiety. Cognitive behaviour therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to positively change patterns of thinking or behaviour, thereby minimising anxiety's impact over time.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person's present behaviour. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are a client's self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on current behaviour. The healing and change process envisioned in long-term psychodynamic therapy typically requires at least two years of sessions. This is because the goal of treatment is often to change an aspect of one's identity or personality or to integrate critical developmental learning missed while the client is stuck at an earlier stage of emotional development.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines the ideas of cognitive therapy with meditative practices and attitudes based on the cultivation of mindfulness. The heart of this work lies in becoming acquainted with the modes of mind that often characterise mood disorders while simultaneously learning to develop a new relationship with them.
How Does JettProof Help?
The range of JettProof products is especially suited for those who suffer from anxiety disorders. The most important is the range of compression clothing, which regulates and calms the body. Wearing a singlet under your regular daily clothing helps the body filter information more efficiently, calms the sensory system, and prevents the wearer from becoming overwhelmed and having their anxiety triggered.
JettProof is manufactured from Calmtex, a unique, breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties that prevent the wearer from becoming overheated. JettProof can be easily worn discreetly under clothes, all day, every day, to keep the wearer calm and reduce or eliminate their anxiety
The most popular JettProof product for anxiety is the JettProof singlet.
Resources
You can contact these support services if you or someone you know needs support. Remember, you are not alone.
Anxiety UK: Anxiety UK is a national registered charity for those affected by anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 if you need someone to talk to. Samaritans offer a free and confidential service.
Childline: Childline is a free, private and confidential service for children up to 19 years. Call 0800 1111 or visit the website for more resources.
SOS: SOS supports those having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, experiencing extreme anxiety, depression, or other mental health emergencies. Call 0808 115 1505.
References
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or treatment. While we aim to provide accurate information and personal insights to support our valued customers and community, we strongly advise consulting with a Doctor, Psychologist or other qualified medical professionals.