Category: Health

In a world where technology is transforming various aspects of our lives, from education to healthcare, it is not that easy to turn a blind eye to the simple traditional remedies passed down through generations.

This is why every time you experience a nosebleed, pouring cold water over your head comes as the first aid.

Though these simple actions gave an effective remedy, their healing mechanism stays a wonder of wonders! On this note, we’ll be unmasking the link between traditional remedies and the scientific healing mechanism.

{{The use of salt to heal wounds}}

You might have seen people applying table salt on the wound and wondered if that silly-like act really works. Interestingly, yes, it does. The scientific reason for this is that salt forces the water in cells to move out of the body. In case any bacteria contaminates the wound, it is forced out too. This helps to cleanse the wounds which in the end, promotes quick recovery.

{{Putting urine in the ear}}

While urine, as soon as peed, has been used in the ancient times to chase away insects from the ear, it has been claimed to be an effective therapy for ear infections. This is because urine contains urea which is known to have an effective antibacterial property.

{{Putting a wet paper on the forehead to treat hiccups}}

Does this sound so absurd? Well, I also thought so. But the funny yet real thing is that this really works. If you’ve ever heard how distraction is used to relieve the pain, it’s just the same. The only use of these papers is to divert the brain’s attention towards finding the new thing that is placed on the head. In that sense, the brain stops or reduces the number of hiccups.

{{Curing a headache with drinking water}}

There are numerous types and causes of headaches. However, the most common cause is dehydration (shortage of water). This happens in cases of crying, excessive workout, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Drinking water will naturally cure your headache by rehydrating your body.

{{Curing a burn with sugar}}

You might have discerned that people tend to sprinkle sugar over a burn wound. And in the end, the wound definitely healed. This is because the granules of sugar can soak up any moisture (the main issue in burns) that allows bacteria to grow. Without bacterial infection, any wound tends to heal a lot quicker.

I am sure you can even create your own list of traditional remedies because they are numerous and vary with regions. However, though these ways of treatment have always given an effective feedback, it is always necessary to be cautious while doing things that concern your health. Because in the worst scenarios, your life might be endangered.

The fertility center spokesperson, Arthur Matsiko, reported that Namukwaya is in good health, walking and talking around the hospital, defying expectations and celebrating the marvels of modern fertility treatments.

Namukwaya’s case shines a spotlight on the evolving landscape of reproductive healthcare, challenging conventional notions of age and fertility. In times past, such a birth might have been deemed a miracle, emphasizing the transformative impact of technology on the possibilities of parenthood.

However, Namukwaya’s extraordinary story also highlights the broader global issue of infertility. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.5% of the adult population worldwide, or 1 in 6 people, experience infertility at some point in their lives.

These alarming statistics underscore the pressing need to enhance access to affordable and high-quality fertility care for those grappling with infertility.

The WHO report, released in April 2023, revealed that infertility does not discriminate, affecting individuals across high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Lifetime prevalence rates stand at 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating the universality of this health challenge.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO, emphasized the importance of recognizing infertility as a significant public health concern. He urged the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure that the issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy. The report brings attention to the fact that infertility, defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, causes distress, stigma, and financial hardship, impacting mental and psychosocial well-being.

Despite the widespread impact of infertility, solutions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, including assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), remain underfunded and inaccessible for many. High costs, social stigma, and limited availability often prevent individuals from seeking infertility treatments or push them into poverty due to the financial burden.

Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, highlighted the significant equity issue at play. Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs when seeking infertility treatment, turning it into a medical poverty trap. Better policies and public financing, she argues, can significantly improve access to treatment and protect vulnerable households from falling into poverty as a result.

In the wake of Namukwaya’s extraordinary birth, the global conversation surrounding infertility takes center stage. The need for increased awareness, improved access to fertility care, and the destigmatization of infertility are crucial steps in addressing this universal challenge and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build the families they desire.

He shared this insight during a national reflection workshop on mental health in families held in Kigali on November 30, 2023, organized by ARCT-Ruhuka, an organization dedicated to combating trauma.

“The family is central to sound health, particularly mental health. Three-quarters of mental health problems impact individuals under 25. The family plays a pivotal role in children’s growth. When the family is stable, a child grows physically and mentally with positivity,” he emphasized.

The workshop coincided with the celebration of ARCT-Ruhuka’s 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of providing stress free management services. Dr. Gishoma acknowledged the organization’s role, especially in healing psychological wounds among survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi since its establishment in 1998.

“Reflecting on that time, Rwanda faced several problems, mainly linked with mental health. ARCT Ruhuka took the forefront in finding solutions,” Dr. Gishoma noted.

He assured the organization of the Ministry of Health and RBC’s continuous support in its efforts to enhance mental health. Dr. Gishoma emphasized the need not to be complacent and encouraged expanding impact to address other prevalent issues in society, including the rise in domestic disputes.

A testimonial from Uwamahoro Angelique and Twizerimana Jean de Dieu, a married couple from the Base Sector of Rulindo District for 12 years, showcased how their household benefitted from ARCT Ruhuka’s support, maintaining harmony throughout the years.

The Chairperson of ARCT Ruhuka, Ancilla Mukarubuga, expressed pride in the organization’s dedication over the past 25 years and affirmed continued collaboration with the government to enhance Rwandans’ mental health.

“We will persist in working with the Ministry of Health and other partners to promote family well-being as the foundation for development and the basis for good health,” she stated, highlighting that this goal would be achieved through the concerted efforts of the organization’s members, along with over 50,000 individuals trained by ARCT Ruhuka and other partners.

The conference discussions should spark renewed energy and commitment to constructing healthier and more robust health systems, said Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango while addressing the challenges in the health sector.

Encouraging participants to leverage the knowledge gained and foster connections, Nalumango stressed the importance of translating discussed issues into actionable plans across the continent to fortify public health systems.

Zambia’s Health Minister Sylvia Masebo said the discussions would propel progress in public health across Africa, and that the conference would help identify common public health challenges and seek interventions to enhance the continent’s health security.

Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” the conference brought together about 5,100 delegates, with an additional 30,000 participating virtually.

Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, said the continent has 24 million adults living with diabetes, and the number is expected to rise to 55 million by 2045.

According to Moeti, diabetes was responsible for 416,000 deaths in Africa in 2021 and is projected to be one of the leading causes of death in the continent by 2030, unless communities adopt healthier lifestyles such as regular exercise.

“Diabetes affects every part of the body and if not correctly managed, people living with the disease can develop debilitating and life-threatening complications,” Moeti said in a statement released in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

She noted that diabetes has exerted economic strain on families, stressing that regular checkups combined with quality treatment and care are key to minimizing fatalities linked to the disease.

Moeti revealed that 54 percent of people living with diabetes in Africa are still undiagnosed and are at risk of succumbing to the disease due to the late onset of life-prolonging medication like insulin.

“This speaks to the need for greater awareness of the disease and the capacity to recognize and diagnose diabetes at a level of care that is easily accessible to all in our communities,” Moeti remarked.

She said that the WHO has developed tools for combating noncommunicable diseases including diabetes for the African region that emphasize timely diagnosis and treatment.

The WHO official urged governments to invest in diabetes prevention tailor-made for local communities including diets rich in fiber and vitamins, awareness against tobacco and alcohol use, physical exercises, and availing life-saving drugs to patients.

In addition, Moeti said governments should train healthcare workers on diabetes management, and enhance the disease surveillance and reporting of new cases.

Now the same applies to proverbs, especially African proverbs. A few weeks back, a colleague complained that they had ‘food poisoning’ and I jokingly made fun of them forgetting the African proverb; “ Those who have not crossed the river yet, should not laugh at those who are drowning”.

In other words, I forgot that I survived because of food and that one day, I may be faced with the same. Long story short, I’m currently recovering from food poisoning. Wondering if I enjoyed it, the answer is NO, hence this write up.

{{The nitty-gritty of food poisoning}}

Simply put, food poisoning is an ‘unwelcome’ guest that invades your body after consuming contaminated food or beverages. The National Health Service (NHS) defines it as “an illness caused by eating contaminated food”.

{{Causes}}

Food poisoning is a collection of Gastrointestinal illnesses brought about by harmful pathogens like;

Bacterias such as; Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can proliferate in undercooked or contaminated food and cause illness when ingested.

Viruses like Norovirus and Hepatitis A when they contaminate food can also lead to foodborne illnesses. The contamination is mainly a result of poor hygiene and unsanitary food handling practices or eating uncooked cooked seafood or not properly washed fruits and vegetables

Similarly, parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium contaminate water sources or food leading to intestinal distress (food poisoning) when ingested.

Furthermore, some foods produce toxins when they’re not stored or prepared correctly, leading to food poisoning. These include aflatoxins in mouldy peanuts and staphylococcal toxins in improperly handled dairy products.

{{Symptoms}}

The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the causative agent,They typically appear within hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food or beverages and can last from a few hours to several days. Common signs include;

{{Nausea and Vomiting: }} The first signs of food poisoning often involve queasiness and an overwhelming urge to vomit.

Loose, watery stools (diarrhoea) are also a common symptom, and they can be persistent and uncomfortable.

Victims of food poisoning also experience abdominal pain in the form of Cramps and discomfort.

Sometimes, food poisoning can cause a low-grade fever, adding to the discomfort. This may be accompanied with muscle aches, headache, body weakness, and fatigue.

{{Treatment}}

If you do find yourself face to face with food poisoning, remember to do some of the following;

{{Hydration:}} Dehydration is a significant risk with food poisoning due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhoea. It is crucial to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear broths, to stay hydrated.

{{Rest:}} Resting and giving your digestive system time to recover is essential. Avoid solid foods initially and gradually get on to ‘the BRAT diet’: that is; easily digestible items like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhoea. However, these should be used with caution and only as directed by a healthcare professional, as they may not be suitable for all cases of food poisoning.

Additionally, in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed, especially if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

In cases of severe and persistent symptoms (high fever, bloody stool or signs of dehydration), it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Most importantly, the age-old adage “prevention is better than cure” rings true in the context of food poisoning. Simple practices can go a long way in steering clear of this unpleasant experience.

Regularly washing hands, utensils, and surfaces serves as a fundamental defense against foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, adhering to recommended cooking temperatures and promptly refrigerating perishable items are crucial steps in ensuring food safety. Steering clear of raw eggs, undercooked meat, and unpasteurized dairy products is highly advisable to minimize the risk of contamination.

Equally significant is the practice of storing raw and cooked foods separately. This, coupled with the precaution of using separate cutting boards for different types of food, helps prevent cross-contamination, a common culprit in foodborne outbreaks.

In the broader scope of food safety, consumers are urged to stay informed about food recalls and exercise caution by avoiding the consumption of products that have been recalled. By incorporating these preventive measures into everyday habits, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering food poisoning and contribute to a healthier, safer dining experience.

As the tendrils of steam envelop us, the world seems to fade away, leaving us with a profound sense of serenity. Regular sauna goers have described an improvement in their quality of life, their sore muscles rejuvenating, and their bodies feeling invigorated. But the allure of the sauna extends beyond simple relaxation. Let’s explore the multitude of benefits that regular sauna use can bring into your life.

{{A Timeless Tradition in a Modern World}}

The history of saunas is steeped in centuries of tradition, originating from the cold climates of Scandinavia and Russia. The allure of saunas, however, has not remained trapped in the past. Thanks to a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its myriad benefits, sauna bathing is experiencing a renaissance.

One of the most remarkable benefits of sauna bathing is its positive impact on heart and mental health. A sauna session is like a warm embrace for your cardiovascular system, helping improve blood circulation and lower the risk of heart disease. In fact, research has shown that sauna use can reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, making it an essential practice for brain health.

{{Relief, Relaxation, and Healing}}

Chronic pain can be a relentless companion, but saunas offer respite. Those suffering from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, and low back pain
have found relief and improved range of motion through regular sauna bathing. Additionally, the soothing heat of the sauna has proven effective in alleviating depression symptoms and reducing the risk of developing psychosis.

A breath of fresh, warm air can bring solace to those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it may mildly improve breathing. Furthermore, saunas have shown promise in reducing skin scales in psoriasis, lowering inflammation, and decreasing cortisol levels, offering a tranquil escape from the stress of daily life.

The excretion of toxins and heavy metals through sweat, a process known as detoxification, has become an increasingly popular reason to embrace the sauna. And if you’re concerned about the risk of stroke or suffer from frequent headaches, you might find the sauna particularly beneficial. It has been shown to reduce the intensity of headaches and decrease the likelihood of colds and viral illnesses, bolstering your body’s immune system.

{{A Warm Refuge for Many, But Not for All}}

While sauna bathing is generally safe for most people, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. If you’ve recently experienced a heart attack or stroke, suffer from heart disease that causes chest pain (angina pectoris), have severe aortic stenosis, or are struggling with advanced or poorly controlled heart failure, it’s best to avoid saunas. The same goes for individuals with orthostatic hypotension, pregnant women, and children.

People concerned about male infertility should approach sauna bathing with caution, as regular use has been shown to decrease sperm production, although this effect is reversible. Similarly, those with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, or high blood pressure should consult with their healthcare provider before indulging in sauna sessions. Alcohol should be avoided during sauna bathing, as it can increase the risk of adverse effects in individuals with heart conditions.

For everyone, including those who are healthy or have underlying medical conditions, the beauty of sauna bathing beckons. With its myriad benefits and low risk, saunas offer a respite from the stresses of modern life, a warm haven where the body and mind can find solace and healing. So, step into the world of sauna bathing, let the steam envelop you, and embark on a journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and transformation.

{{Understanding Insomnia}}

Often referred to as “the thief of sleep,” insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide. According to a report by the Cleveland Clinic published on February 13, 2023, approximately one in three adults worldwide exhibits insomnia symptoms, with about 10% meeting the criteria for insomnia disorder.

{{Recognizing Insomnia}}

Insomnia disrupts the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve restorative sleep. This disruption can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and trouble concentrating. People with insomnia often report dissatisfaction with their sleep quality and experience daytime impairments such as fatigue, irritability, and reduced cognitive function.

{{Types of Insomnia}}

Stanford Medicine Health Care classifies insomnia based on its duration, with transient insomnia lasting for one month, acute/short-term insomnia lasting between one and six months, and chronic insomnia lasting for six months or more. Insomnia can also be categorized as primary (without co-existing conditions) or secondary (associated with another medical or psychiatric condition).

{{Common Causes of Insomnia}}

{{Insomnia can result from a complex interplay of factors, including:}}

{{Stress and Anxiety: }} Everyday stressors, anxiety, and unresolved emotional issues can lead to racing thoughts, making it challenging to fall asleep.

{{Poor Sleep Habits:}} Irregular sleep schedules, excessive napping, and the use of electronic devices before bedtime can disrupt the body’s internal clock, leading to insomnia.

{{Medical Conditions: }} Conditions like chronic pain, asthma, acid reflux, or menopause can interfere with the ability to sleep.

{{Medications: }} Some medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, can cause sleep disturbances.

{{Caffeine and Alcohol:}} Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, especially in the evening, can disrupt sleep.

{{Noisy Environments:}} Noisy surroundings can make sleep uncomfortable, leading to decreased well-being and performance.

{{Preventing Insomnia}}

To prevent insomnia, consider adopting good sleep practices and addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep disturbances:

Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily can help prevent insomnia.

{{Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: }} Engage in calming activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques before bedtime.

{{Limit Screen Exposure: }} Reduce screen time before bed to avoid the interference of blue light with melatonin production.

{{Diet and Lifestyle: }} Avoid heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime, limit caffeine and alcohol intake in the evening, and engage in regular physical activity, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.

{{Treating Insomnia}}

{{If you’re already experiencing insomnia, treatment options include:}}

{{Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):}} This approach focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors contributing to sleep difficulties and is highly effective.

{{Medications:}} In some cases, doctors may prescribe sleep medications, usually as a short-term solution due to the risk of dependence.

{{Lifestyle Changes:}} Address underlying lifestyle factors such as stress, poor sleep habits, or unhealthy diet choices.

{{Relaxation Techniques:}} Practicing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and promote sleep.

Remember, if you struggle with chronic or severe insomnia, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for tailored guidance and support.

To safeguard one’s health effectively, it is imperative to commence with a comprehensive physical evaluation before embarking on dietary choices. It is within this backdrop that the Goodrich Group introduced Goodrich Life Care, a company with a mission to empower individuals with insights into their health status and equipping them with the knowledge to foster a wholesome and flourishing life.

Dr. Francis Habumugisha, the CEO of Goodrich Group, expounds that Goodrich Life Care was conceived primarily to champion health and provide guidance, particularly in unique circumstances.

He emphasizes that instances arise where adults consume food intended for children or vice versa, and individuals with varying metabolic needs may still find themselves consuming identical foods.

“Some individuals may necessitate higher quantities of fats or sugars than others, yet their consumption remains constant,” Dr. Habumugisha observes. However, he cautions against the temptation to pursue dietary preferences without considering the broader context of health.

Dr. Habumugisha underscores the significance of aligning exercise routines with individual bodily conditions. He notes that undertaking exercises without a comprehensive understanding of one’s physical well-being can yield detrimental consequences.

He stresses the importance of undergoing a thorough physical examination prior to engaging in any exercise regimen, as certain exercises may be contraindicated based on an individual’s health profile.

Furthermore, he dispels the notion of catering to bodily “worms” or cravings as a guiding principle for dietary choices. Dr. Habumugisha reminds that the primary focus should be on nourishing bodies, rather than indulging fleeting desires.

Addressing the paramount concerns that can jeopardize human lives, Dr. Habumugisha highlights three critical factors. Firstly, periods of bodily inactivity can lead to dysfunction and weight-related issues, even in individuals who do not consume excessive quantities of food.

Secondly, nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of essential vitamins or minerals, can underlie numerous health conditions, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and addressing such deficiencies.

Lastly, he elucidates on the perilous consequences of accumulating unnecessary substances within the body, citing electromagnetic radiation from technological devices and the ingestion of food contaminated with pesticides as significant hazards to human health.

To address these multifaceted health concerns, Dr. Habumugisha elucidates that Goodrich Life Care employs state-of-the-art machinery to comprehensively assess nutritional deficiencies and monitor the functionality of various bodily systems.

With this information at their disposal, individuals are guided toward suitable dietary supplements to restore balance and enhance their well-being.

One may be wondering what anxiety is, let’s dive into it. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. It can help you to cope. The anxiety may give you a boost of energy or help you focus. But for people with anxiety disorders, the fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming.

However, some people experience anxiety or anxiety attacks for no apparent reason. If you find it hard to control your worries and if these constant feelings of anxiety affect your ability to go about your daily activities, then it might be a case of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety, panic and depression can be very debilitating. They drain our energy and make it more difficult to get on with life and do the things we need to. When severe, anxiety and depression can seriously cripple a person’s ability to lead a meaningful life.

What often feeds a sense of anxiety is a feeling of being overwhelmed and not able to handle life. What this boils down to is really a feeling of not being able to handle other people. It is usually the things which other people “might” do or say which make us anxious.

Likewise depression often comes from how we respond to other people’s behavior. Perhaps someone has been rude to us, or said something unkind, or someone we depend on does not seem to like us or approve of us. If we do not know how to manage our feelings about such events then these can build up till we feel hopeless and depression sets in. There is what we call Regular Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder and these two differ in the following way.

{{Regular anxiety}}

Worrying about bills, job interviews, tests or other important events. The feeling of ‘butterflies in your stomach’ before a public performance or a big meeting. Fear of a dangerous object, place or situation, for instance, a stray dog barking at you on the street.

Sadness or worry immediately after a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one.
Maintaining hygiene personally and in your surroundings.
Breaking into a sweat before a big match.

{{Anxiety disorder}}

-* Worrying constantly and excessively for no apparent reason, making it difficult for you to perform day-to-day activities.

-* Fearing any social or performance-related situations, in which you may be exposed to possible scrutiny by others.

-* You fear that you will act in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing.

-* Irrational fear of an object or place, such as fear of entering an elevator believing that an escape might be not possible.

-* Repeated flashbacks, dreams and subsequent worry following exposure to an extremely traumatic event in the past.

-* Performing excessive and repetitive cleaning and rearranging things and objects around you.

-* Repeated panic attacks along with nervous feelings like “I am going to die“ for no apparent reason, and the constant fear of having another attack.

Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety, so it is difficult to say when it can be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. If your feelings of worry and dread have a disabling effect on you over a period of time, you should seek advice from a mental health professional.

{{There are many types of anxiety disorders but their most common symptoms are:}}

-* Increased heart rate and heavy breathing

-* Increased muscle tension

-* Tightening sensation in the chest

-* Unsubstantiated and growing worries, and restlessness

-* Obsessing over needless things leading to compulsive behavior

When we look at the causes of anxiety and depression our thinking processes are often part of the problem. Anxiety becomes habitual when we spend too much time having worrying and frightening thoughts. Our body then gets into a very alert and vigilant state.

This means our body is being flooded with these types of hormones, which makes it even more likely that we will think anxious thoughts. By putting our nervous system on ‘alert’, we tell our nervous system to look for those things which might go wrong (or are going wrong) and to not look for things that are going right. Our perspective becomes one-sided, and distorted towards the negative, without us even realizing it.

Likewise thoughts of doom and gloom, such as feeling stuck in a situation with no way out or no hope for a better future can also become habitual. Such thoughts cause our body to be flooded with the types of hormones which make us feel sluggish, lacking in energy or enthusiasm and even more likely to have despairing and unhappy thoughts.

{{The most common factors that cause anxiety disorders are:}}

{{Family history:}} People who have a history of mental health issues in the family may usually have problems with anxiety. For instance, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be passed down in a family.

{{Stressful events: }} Stress at the workplace, loss of a loved one, or troubled relationships, can also trigger symptoms of anxiety.

{{Health issues: }} Ailments such as thyroid problems, asthma, diabetes or a heart disease can also cause anxiety. People suffering from depression can also develop symptoms of anxiety disorders.

For instance, someone who has been suffering from depression for a long period, may start to under-perform at work. This can then lead to work-related stress which could trigger anxiety.

{{Substance use:}} People who are heavy users of drugs, alcohol and other substances, develop anxiety problems when the effects of the substance begin to wear off (in withdrawal).

{{Personality factors:}} Sometimes, people with certain personality traits such as perfectionists or people who like to be in control, develop anxiety-related issues.

{{Types of anxiety disorders}}

{{Anxiety affects people in different ways leading to a variety of disorders. The most common forms of anxiety disorders are:}}

{{Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)}}{{:}} People suffering from GAD experience excessive anxiety and worry about various events and situations. They have difficulty in controlling anxiety and worry, along with restlessness and ‘feeling keyed up or on edge’ all the time. Such people are not worried about anything in particular and there is no specific trigger.

{{Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):}} People with OCD have constant thoughts and fears that trigger anxiety. They relieve this anxiety by performing certain actions repetitively. For instance, a person with a fear of germs and contamination will repetitively wash his or her hands, and the vessels at home.

{{Social phobia/Social anxiety disorder:}} People with social anxiety disorder fear social and performance-related situations where they may be subject to the scrutiny of others. They have an intense fear that something they do or say will lead to their humiliation or embarrassment. These people are unable to handle everyday situations such as making small talk or even eating in public.

{{Specific phobias Phobias }} are unsubstantiated fears and people with phobias go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation that triggers their anxiety. Their fears could range from flying in airplanes, being in crowded places, to harmless things such as spiders and high-rise buildings.

{{Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):}} Being part of or witnessing an extremely traumatic event such as accidents or an assault can later lead to PTSD. The person will have difficulty sleeping or relaxing due to constant flashbacks of the event.

{{Panic disorder:}} People with panic disorder suffer from panic attacks that are uncontrollable and include a range of physical symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath and excessive perspiration. During these episodes, they also report psychological symptoms (thoughts) like experiencing a sense of impending doom and feelings such as ‘I am going to die’ or ‘I will go crazy’. These attacks happen for no apparent reason, and the person then lives in constant fear of suffering another such episode.

{{Getting treatment for anxiety disorders}}

Anxiety disorders can be overcome but one must not underestimate the seriousness of the problem. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, it is best you seek professional advice and treatment. Anxiety disorders are treated through anxiety medication, counseling or a combination of the two.

{{Caring for someone with anxiety disorders}}

If you have a family member or a friend who is suffering from anxiety disorders, your support can go a long way in reducing their distress. As with any sort of illness, the first thing you should do is to learn about the sufferer’s problem so that you can empathize with their condition.

Dealing with people suffering from anxiety disorders requires a lot of patience, but they also need to be pushed and encouraged from time to time to face their stressors or fears so that they may overcome these fears. It is essential that you find the right balance for this.