“Anxiety is a major psychological problem to which there is no easy solution.” “What works for one person may not work for another, may not work for you or me.”

About anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders seem to be a result of a combination of biological, psychological, and other individual factors

Although researchers don’t know exactly why some people experience anxiety disorders, they do know that there are various factors involved. Like many other mental health conditions, anxiety disorders seem to be a result of a combination of biological, psychological, and other individual factors.

Researchers know that problems with brain chemistry can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain involved in anxiety include serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Researchers have also shown that changes in activity in certain areas of the brain are involved in anxiety. Many anxiety disorders run in families and likely have a genetic cause.

Many anxiety disorders run in families and likely have a genetic cause

Certain medical conditions such as anemia and thyroid problems can also cause symptoms of anxiety. As well, other factors such as caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications can cause anxiety symptoms. Traumatic life events such as the death of a family member, witnessing a death, war, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes may trigger anxiety disorders. [source: Canadian Mental Health Association]

Treating anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses. The different types of anxiety disorders include: phobias; panic disorder; agoraphobia; social anxiety disorder; generalized anxiety disorder; and other mental illnesses, no longer classified as anxiety disorders, though anxiety or fear is a major part of the illnesses (e.g. obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).) Each anxiety disorder has its own specific treatments and goals, but most include some combination of strategies.

Each anxiety disorder has its own specific treatments and goals, but most include some combination of strategies

Counselling
An effective form of counselling for anxiety is cognitive-behavioural therapy (or ‘CBT’). CBT teaches you how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together. A goal of CBT is to identify and change the unhelpful patterns of thinking that feed anxious thoughts. CBT can help you identify problem behaviours and replace them with helpful strategies. It’s often the first treatment to try for mild or moderate problems with anxiety.

Medication
Some people also find antianxiety or antidepressant medication helpful. Medication can help with the physical feelings of anxiety. It may also make anxious thoughts less frequent or intense, so it can be easier to learn helpful coping strategies. Some people take medication until their anxiety is controlled enough to try therapies like CBT.

Support groups
Support groups—in person or online—may be a good place to share your experiences, learn from others, and connect with people who understand.

Self-help strategies
Many different skills can help people manage anxiety, such as stress management, problem-solving, and relaxation. Mindfulness—developing awareness of the present moment without judgement—may also help. Practices that support wellness, such as eating well, exercising, having fun, and connecting with others, are also important. [source: Canadian Mental Health Association]

Anxiety is a major psychological problem to which there is no easy solution.
— Elisa Black, The Daily Telegraph
What works for one person may not work for another, may not work for you or me.
— William T. Blows, The Biological Basis of Mental Health Nursing

Living and working with anxiety disorders

Arto Tienaho has struggled with anxiety, including agoraphobia, for over 20 years

Arto Tienaho was born in Haida Gwaii, attended grade school in Kitimat and in 1981 trained for a career as an aircraft mechanic. He then worked in aviation for over 20 years, before eventually transitioning into mental health prevention and promotion, specifically at AnxietyBC.

This change in direction came as a result of his own lifetime experiences with problematic anxiety and depression. After receiving cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) at University of British Columbia, Arto was asked to be a facilitator and supervisor in a peer-based program for adults with panic disorder where he trained and volunteered for 2 years.

Arto is a certified coach practitioner, is actively involved in a local Toastmasters club, volunteers on the steering committee of a national workplace mental health conference (Bottom Line Conference), and has recently completed a research training program with the Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network. Arto is passionate about personal development and helping others to achieve their full potential.

We speak with Arto Tienaho.

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— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) June 2, 2016