Geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) has underscored the pervasive nature of anxiety disorders, identifying them as the most common mental disorders globally, affecting an estimated 301 million people. While occasional anxiety is a normal human experience, the WHO emphasizes that anxiety disorders involve intense and excessive fear and worry that significantly interfere with daily activities and can impair an individual’s family, social, school, or work life.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways, including excessive fear or worry, trouble concentrating, irritability, tension, restlessness, nausea or abdominal distress, heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and a pervasive sense of impending danger, panic, or doom. These symptoms often emerge during childhood or adolescence and can persist into adulthood, with girls and women being more susceptible to experiencing anxiety disorders than boys and men.
The WHO offers several practical strategies to help manage anxiety symptoms and promote overall well-being. These recommendations include avoiding or reducing alcohol consumption and refraining from illicit drug use. Regular exercise, even short walks, maintaining consistent eating and sleeping habits alongside a healthy diet, and learning relaxation techniques such as slow breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are also advised. Additionally, developing a habit of mindfulness meditation can be beneficial in managing anxiety.
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