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Mental Health: Beware of Anxiety Disorders During new COVID-19 Partial Lockdown Period

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The government on June 7 announced the imposition of a partial lockdown following an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in Uganda and relaxation of adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by the general public.

Starting this week, every Tuesday, we will look at various mental health problems that you are at risk of suffering from as a result of the partial lockdown.

This week, we look at anxiety disorders.

A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.

Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).

These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.

Anxiety disorders can also lead to other mental health conditions like depression, substance abuse, insomnia, social isolation, poor quality of life and in extreme cases, suicide.

Treatment includes counseling or medication, including antidepressants.

You may also require professional help if you have symptoms of anxiety disorders like checking into a rehabilitation center.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Image: VeryWell Mind