Anxiety - Its Types And Can It Be Treated?

Anxiety is a word that has become extremely casual in today’s vocabulary. It has become so common that we hear small children saying ‘I have anxiety’ or ‘ I had an anxiety attack’. So what is this Anxiety? Anxiety is made up of tension feelings, persistent worry, uneasiness and worried thoughts. This persistent worry does not do anyone any good. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus asks: "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (NIV). This implies that worry doesn’t solve problems or improve circumstances; instead, it is a waste of time and energy.

It is not the same thing as fear. Fear is an appropriate response to an immediate perceived threat that is specific and short lived. Whereas, Anxiety is considered as a future oriented response that is focused on diffusing a threat, which may or may not actually be a threat, accompanied by physical and somatic manifestations of the anxiety. It is also one of the most common psychiatric disorders among the general population

Feeling anxious is not the same as suffering from anxiety. Anxiousness is a feeling of worry, uncertainty, nervousness or tension towards a specific event or situation. Suffering from Anxiety on the other hand, would entail having anxiety disorders whose symptoms would depend based on the type of disorder and the individuals.

Symptoms of Anxiety will differ from person to person, and in range, duration and intensity. The ICD classifies symptoms of anxiety into different categories: physical symptoms - headaches, nausea, stomach pain, shakiness or trembling, chest pain, hot flashes, cold chills or numbness; emotional symptoms - irritable, tense, feeling on edge and restlessness, panic or impending doom, fear of losing control, passing out, or dying; cognitive symptoms - fatigue, difficulty in concentration, and/or having trouble sleeping; and/or derealization or depersonalization.

Although there is no clear cause for Anxiety, let's look into different types of Anxiety Disorders to understand them better.

GAD or General Anxiety Disorder:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, such as work, health, or social situations. People with GAD often find it difficult to manage their anxiety, and their worries may be disproportionate to the actual circumstances. The disorder can cause physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. GAD can significantly impact daily functioning, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Panic Disorder:

Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort. During a panic attack, individuals may experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain, often leading to a fear of losing control or dying. The fear of having future panic attacks can cause individuals to avoid certain situations or places, limiting their daily activities. Treatment for Panic Disorder typically includes therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Social Anxiety:

Social anxiety involves a fear of social situations where embarrassment might happen (e.g., making conversation, meeting new people, or dating) or where there is a risk of being negatively judged by others (e.g., being perceived as stupid, weak, or anxious). It is characterized by worry about one's social status, role, and behavior. When this anxiety leads to significant distress or disrupts daily functioning, a diagnosis of social phobia may be appropriate.

Specific Phobias:

A specific phobia, previously known as simple phobia, is an anxiety disorder marked by an intense and persistent fear of a particular object, activity, or situation (e.g., dogs, blood, flying, heights). This fear is typically considered excessive or irrational and is consistently triggered by the presence or even the anticipation of the feared object or situation. Individuals with this phobia often avoid the trigger or endure it with significant anxiety or distress.

Agoraphobia:

Agoraphobia is an intense, irrational fear of being in open or unfamiliar places, leading to the avoidance of public situations where escape might be difficult, such as standing in line or being in a crowd. It is an irrational fear of situations.

Can Anxiety Be Treated?

Anxiety is a pervasive condition that impacts many aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional performance. It can cause feelings of unease, worry, and even physical distress, often making daily activities seem daunting. However, anxiety is not something that must be endured in silence. There are a variety of proven treatments that can help individuals regain control and improve their well-being.

The Bible teaches that it is wise and humble to ask for help when needed, recognizing that we do not have all the answers or abilities on our own. In James 5:16, believers are encouraged to confess their sins to one another and pray for each other: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (NIV).

This passage underscores the value of vulnerability and seeking help from others for emotional and spiritual healing.

Research has shown that behavioral treatment, alone, or with medications are highly effective for anxiety, although medications are to be taken only through professional consultation.

Psychologists are trained to diagnose and provide therapy for Anxiety and they have proven to be of great help to individuals. The Bible encourages seeking wise counsel from others, especially those who are spiritually mature or experienced in a particular area. This is seen as a way to gain insight, avoid mistakes, and make decisions that align with God’s will.

In Proverbs 11:14, it is written: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” (NIV).

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective in managing and treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. CBT helps individuals identify thought patterns which contribute to their anxiety, and helps in developing healthier thought patterns to reduce the anxiety. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul urges believers to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. This means not allowing negative, destructive, or unhelpful thoughts to dominate our minds, but instead, redirecting them towards what is good and true. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). In Philippians 4:8, Paul gives a list of things that should fill the believer’s thoughts. He encourages focusing on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This counters negative, destructive thought patterns and directs the mind to things that promote peace and positivity. Through the behavioral component, individuals acquire strategies to minimize undesirable behaviors linked to anxiety disorders. Exposure therapy, used for specific phobia, helps individuals to systematically be exposed to what causes them anxiety, in a controlled environment to gradually reduce the fear.

Changes in lifestyle like incorporating exercise - which helps in releasing endorphins, and in turn improves mood and reduces anxiety. A balanced diet which avoids excessive sugar and caffeine helps to manage anxiety levels. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of caring for our physical bodies, recognizing them as temples of the Holy Spirit. A good lifestyle includes maintaining health and well-being as an act of stewardship. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (NIV). This teaches that good physical health, proper rest, healthy eating, and self-care are important aspects of honoring God with one's life.

Journaling and writing down thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet and help identify triggers for anxiety. Some biblical figures used writing as a means of processing their thoughts, emotions, and prayers. The Psalms, many of which were written by David, are essentially prayers and reflections on God's work and character. For example, in Psalm 42:5, David writes: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (NIV). David expresses his feelings, questions, and struggles through writing, and journaling can serve a similar purpose for believers today, helping to process emotions and deepen one's relationship with God. Setting realistic goals and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation can promote relaxation and reduce tension. Getting support from friends and family also makes a big difference. The support from close individuals can provide comfort and a change in perspective to the individual concerned. Even Jesus, who is the Son of God, sought help and companionship from others. He had a close-knit group of disciples, and He sought comfort from them, especially in times of distress (e.g., in the Garden of Gethsemane).

Anxiety is a common and often overwhelming experience, but it is important to remember that it is also manageable. With the right strategies—such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, medication—individuals can regain control over their lives and find relief from anxiety. By understanding the causes and symptoms, seeking support, and committing to personal well-being, it is possible to navigate anxiety in a healthy way. In Isaiah 26:3, God promises peace to those whose minds are steadfast and focused on Him. When negative or troubling thoughts arise, focusing on God’s promises and truth can bring peace and perspective. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV).

Ultimately, recognizing that you are not alone and that help is available can make all the difference in the journey toward emotional balance and peace of mind. The Bible acknowledges that worry is natural but instructs believers not to allow it to consume them. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches His followers not to worry about their material needs or the future. Worry can easily lead to rumination on negative thoughts, and Jesus encourages focusing on the present and trusting God for provision. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” (Matthew 6:25, NIV).

(All information in this article is Public Domain)

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