At Capital Women’s Care, we focus on your overall health and wellness. In our three-part Lifestyle Series, we’ll tackle topics that most women can identify with.
Did you know that women are twice as likely to experience anxiety than men? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (AADA), the fight-or-flight response is activated more readily in women and stays activated longer than men, which is one of the reasons women experience anxiety more frequently.
Anxiety is a normal defense mechanism in stressful situations. Some people experience anxiety when waiting for medical test results. Others feel anxiety during a stressful time at work, exam week, the holidays, or other situations. Symptoms of anxiety can include irritability, nervousness, trouble sleeping and/or concentrating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
Excessive, persistent anxiety about things you cannot control is defined as an anxiety disorder. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and social anxiety. The ADAA reports that anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.”
Any type of anxiety – whether intermittent stress-induced or a diagnosed anxiety disorder – may increase your risk of physical health issues. That’s why it’s important to make a conscious effort to reduce your stress and anxiety.
Tips for Overall Well-Being
- Exercise
- Healthy nutrition
- Adequate sleep
- Meditation
No matter what lifestyle changes you make, some women may require medication to help reduce their anxiety. Many women also report that seeking therapy or a support group is useful in helping realize they are not alone. It’s important to remember that, although some of the symptoms may overlap, anxiety and depression are two separate disorders and should be treated as such. While some people may suffer from both disorders, one does not cause the other.
Contact your Capital Women’s Care provider to discuss potential treatment and lifestyle adjustments for stress and anxiety.
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