Anxiety is a normal response to stress. But when it becomes difficult to manage and impacts your day-to-day life, it can be very challenging. According to the US department of Health and Human Services, Anxiety disorders affect nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States. Women are twice as likely as men to have an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety disorders are defined by excessive fear, restlessness, and muscle tension and can feel debilitating. It can increase the risk of depression and suicide.
Women tend to be more prone to stress, which can increase their anxiety. Many researchers report that changes in levels of the hormone estrogen throughout a woman's menstrual cycle and reproductive life probably play a role. Additionally, depression, anxiety, psychological distress, sexual violence, domestic violence and escalating rates of substance use affect women to a greater extent than men. Pressures created by their multiple roles, gender discrimination, other “isms” and”, all contribute to stress and anxiety.
You can talk to a trained mental health professional about what may have caused your anxiety disorder and how to deal with the symptoms. Therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you change thinking patterns that are linked to your fears. It can help you change the way you react to situations that may create anxiety. You may also learn ways to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve specific behaviors caused by chronic anxiety. Anxiety disorders are often treated with counseling, medicine, or a combination of both. Many women also find that hypnotherapy, yoga and meditation helps with anxiety disorders.