Understanding anxiety
Psychotherapist Sindhu Nandakumar sheds light on Understanding anxiety
In a recent statement, Sindhu Nandakumar, Consultant Psychotherapist at MindSpa Online Counselling Portal, delves into the intricacies of anxiety, emphasizing the common human responses to challenging or unfamiliar situations. Anxiety, she notes, is characterized by sensations of uneasiness, fear, or nervousness, which, when persistent, can evolve into a full-fledged anxiety disorder.
Ms. Nandakumar identifies various contributing factors to anxiety disorders, including genetic predisposition, reserved temperament, unpredictable lifestyles, stressful encounters, or the influence of anxious parents.
Recognizing anxiety symptoms:
Anxiety exhibits itself through a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from worry and tears to avoidance, clinging behavior, separation fears, sleep disturbances, physical complaints, anger, irritability, aggression, inflexibility, inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and a reluctance to participate in daily tasks.
Taking action for anxiety:
To address anxiety disorders, Ms. Nandakumar recommends specific measures:
- Seek guidance from a mental health professional.
- Establish consistent routines for meals, bedtime, and homework.
- Maintain regularity in daily activities.
- Engage in physical exercise as it can be beneficial.
- Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Ms. Nandakumar sheds light on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts known as “obsessions.” Individuals with OCD recognize these thoughts as their own but struggle to control or eliminate them, often resorting to repetitive behaviors or rituals, referred to as “compulsions.”
Identifying OCD symptoms:
Common OCD symptoms include fear of contamination, recurrent doubts (e.g., about turning off the stove), excessive cleaning or washing, compulsive checking, and a need for specific ordering or arranging of objects.
Taking action for OCD:
- Addressing OCD involves the following steps:
- Consult with a mental health professional.
- Acquire knowledge about OCD
- Utilize local community health resources available through your Regional Health Authority.
In case of an immediate mental health crisis, Ms. Nandakumar advises considering available mental health crisis lines and services in the vicinity. For additional information on this topic or to speak directly with Ms. Sindhu Nandakumar, visit www.mindspa.org.in. It is crucial to prioritize mental health and seek appropriate support.
