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Anxiety is something that everyone experiences from time to time.
If you are someone who experiences anxiety, you may be asking yourself if anxiety is a mental illness.
What Is a Mental Illness?
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Mental illnesses are psychiatric conditions that impact a persons moods, behaviors, and thoughts.
There are many types of mental illnesses out there.
Some of the most common mental illnesses include:
Is Anxiety a Mental Illness?
The emotion of anxiety itself is not a mental illness.
Most people experience anxiety at different times in their lives.
You may experience anxiety before making a presentation at work or school.
You may experience it before meeting someone new or starting a new job.
You may experience it if you are in danger in some way, or if your loved one is.
At times, though, anxiety can be a sign of a mental illness.
Anxiety disorders can take many forms.
Some of the most common anxiety disorders include:
How Is Anxiety Diagnosed?
Your first stop should be your general doctor.
Diagnoses of mental health disorders are made after you meet with a therapist to discuss symptoms and experiences.
Therapy
Engaging intalk therapywith a credentialed counselor ortherapistis a wonderful way to manage your anxiety.
Medication
Many people find that medication can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Often, people with anxiety are prescribed antidepressants (SSRIs) for overall symptom management.
You should speak to your doctor or psychiatrist for the best medication for you.
Lifestyle Changes
People with anxiety benefit from changes to their lifestyle.
Reducing stress, exercising, and reducingcaffeinecan also lessen symptoms of anxiety.
Importantly, help is out there.
Both anxiety and anxiety disorders can be managed and treated.
kindly reach out to your doctor or a mental health counselor for support.
American Psychiatric Association.What are Anxiety Disorders?
National Library of Medicine.Mental Disorders.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Anxiety Disorders.
2016;6(7):e00497.
doi:10.1002/brb3.497
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.What are the five major types of anxiety disorders?
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
2013;74(8):786-792. doi:10.4088/JCP.12m08083
