How do we differentiate between normal anxiety and pathological anxiety?

12/02/2024 12:32, Updated on 12/02/2024 at 13:01

There is a common joke in Brazil that everything can be postponed until after Carnival. Indeed, many people procrastinate on commitments and resolutions at the beginning of the year. The problem is that the behavior generates anxiety.

According to the World Health Organization, 9.3% of Brazil's population suffers from anxiety, placing the country in first place in the ranking of the most anxious countries. “We are talking about a mental disorder, that is, a disease that affects a large part of the population and significantly reduces people's quality of life,” comments Ariel Lipman, psychiatrist and director of SIG – Residência Terapêutica.

Mental disorders can be serious if not monitored and treated. But there is another aspect of anxiety, in which it is considered “temporary” and not a disease. “Everyone experiences anxiety-inducing situations, and it is normal, for example, for someone not to be able to sleep before an important test,” comments the expert.

After all, how normal is anxiety?

“Normal anxiety,” or rather non-pathological anxiety, is part of anyone’s life, and causes symptoms, according to Lipman, such as dilated pupils, increased heart and breathing rates, and even insomnia.

“The symptoms are the same as those of pathological anxiety, what changes is the intensity and frequency. He explains that our body has limits, and if negative symptoms begin to appear regularly, it is necessary to seek help.

In other words, when these changes become part of a person's life too frequently, in an intense and long-lasting way, disrupting their quality of life, this may indicate a mental disorder.

1/17

Recognizing difficulties and seeking professional help is one of the best ways to deal with times when stress is high. ▲

But how do you know when to ask for help? The quality of mental health is determined by how we deal with emotions ▲

Mentally healthy people can deal in a balanced way with conflicts, disturbances, traumas, or important transitions in different life cycles. However, some signs may indicate that mental health is not good. ▲

Insomnia, depression, and stress increase the risk of arrhythmia after menopause ▲

Stress: If irritation is frequent and causes us to overreact to small events, the red light should be activated. If stress is accompanied by sleep problems, it's time to seek help. ▲

In addition to genetic factors, longevity may be related to the number of times a person has had the disease. ▲

Memory lapses: If a person begins to notice their memory failing on a daily basis with very simple things, they are likely suffering from an episode of mental exhaustion. ▲

Change in appetite: When eating, people who eat too much use food as an exit valve to relieve anxiety. Others lose their appetite completely. ▲

Low self-esteem: Another warning sign is feeling helpless, helpless, and vulnerable. In this case, it is common for the person to feel less important and believe that no one cares about them. ▲

Poor hygiene: One of the characteristics of depression is the loss of the desire to take care of oneself. The person tends to jeopardize the cleanliness of the body and loses vanity ▲

Constant feeling of sadness: Unlike sadness, depression is an internal phenomenon, it does not need to be an event. The person becomes apathetic and does not feel like doing anything ▲

To get a diagnosis and start appropriate treatment, it is very important to consult a psychiatrist or psychiatrist. Once you notice that you no longer feel like you used to, find a professional to help you find the causes of your discomfort. ▲

Causes and symptoms

There are several causes for anxiety, which can occur as a result of family problems, brain imbalance, psychological trauma, and others. Symptoms also vary and can be both physical and psychological.

“These patients may experience muscle tension, tachycardia or palpitations, chest pain, excessive sweating, headache, or dizziness, as well as a feeling of derealization, when the environment seems completely different, or a feeling of depersonalization,” When a person doesn't seem to feel 'comfortable. Learn more,” concludes the psychiatrist.

He warns that it is essential to always be aware of these signs and, if necessary, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Follow the health editorial On Instagram And stay up to date on everything related to the topic!