Can Anxiety Kill If Left Untreated?

Many times some of us find ourselves in a tough situation due to anxiety and might feel like things are getting worse with us and might feel like we are in danger. But, can anxiety kill if left untreated? Take a look at the following array of the article and discover it by yourself.

Anxiety is a mental and physical reaction to stress, fear, or the unfamiliar. When anxiety goes into overdrive, it might affect our health and life. As per the National Institutes of Health, it has been found that around 31% of adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder at some part in their life.⁽¹⁾ It is also estimated by the World Health Organization or WHO that nearly 300 million people have an anxiety disorder.⁽²⁾ It is also found that anxiety disorder affects more women than men.⁽³⁾

While you might feel it to be unpleasant and scary, anxiety will not kill you. However, chronic anxiety can have negative effects on health in the long run. So, it requires to be treated just like any other disease or disorder. It is highly responsive to treatment. You can effectively manage anxiety by medication, psychotherapy and certain lifestyle changes.

Research has suggested that patients with heart disease are likely to have anxiety disorders.⁽⁴⁾ Some experts also believe that anxiety might lead to various heart diseases. Apart from this, it has also been found that patients with generalized anxiety might also be at a high risk of heart disease and also suicide.⁽⁵⁾ With suicide problems that might occur due to anxiety, it can be said that anxiety can kill you if left untreated. (however, not very common)

Anxiety might be linked with sleep disturbances or sleep disorders. Some research has found that generalized anxiety can affect the quality of sleep negatively, and this is not good for long-term health.⁽⁶⁾ Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart diseases are certain health conditions that are associated with sleep deprivation.

A lot of people experience more than one mental health problem at once, and this can increase the risk of physical health issues. Anxiety and depression are linked to each other.

Using alcohol or drugs as a way of coping with anxiety or depression might increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems. Moreover, it can also worsen the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

It can be said that anxiety or panic attacks will not be killing you, and they do not always mean that you will have chronic health issues like heart disease or insomnia in the future. However, anxiety can affect your mental and physical health if left untreated. So, if your symptoms begin to interfere with your life, then it is best to talk to your doctor or therapist. With a proper medical or treatment plan from medical professionals, you can minimize any long-term health effects.

“Be known, you are stronger than your anxiety”

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Also Read:

• Yoga As A Treatment Option For Anxiety Disorders
• Alternative Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
• Worry and Anxiety: Self Help Tips to Stop Worrying and Reduce Anxiety
• Can Anxiety Be Kept Under Control By Exercising Regularly?
• Breathing Exercises for Anxiety
• Foods You Must Avoid To Get Rid of Anxiety Problems