Author: medicalviseAdmin

Is Anxiety Contagious? Similar to how viruses can be contagious, stress and anxiety can also be "caught" from others, according to Carla Marie Manly, PhD, a clinical psychologist. Mirror neurons in our brain, which are activated when we observe others’ actions or experiences, may play a role in this phenomenon. This means that when we witness someone else’s stress or anxiety, we can internalize those feelings within ourselves. Research has shown that stress contagion is a real phenomenon. A study published in Scientific Reports in 2017 demonstrated that watching anxious speakers led to an increase in heart rates among the viewers, indicating a physiological stress response. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of empathy tend to be more susceptible to absorbing others’ stress, although not necessarily to a greater extent than those with lower empathy. While it’s natural to be affected by the stress and anxiety of others, it’s important to remember that you have the power to mitigate its impact on your well-being. By practicing certain strategies proactively, you can better navigate and cope with stressful situations. These strategies can include self-care practices such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, setting boundaries, and seeking support from trusted individuals. By taking proactive steps to manage your own stress and anxiety, you can protect yourself from being overwhelmed by the emotions of others. Remember, you have the ability to maintain your own well-being even in the face of external stressors. Make a Positive Pivot When faced with a situation where your friends are discussing a topic, such as politics, that you would rather not dwell on and want to maintain a positive atmosphere, it can be helpful to validate their points while redirecting the conversation in a more uplifting direction. Jennifer L. Taitz, PsyD, suggests validating their concerns and then introducing a new topic that promotes gratitude and positivity. For instance, you can acknowledge the challenging nature of the current political climate by saying something like, "I understand that these are tough times. Can we take a moment to share something that we’re grateful for?" By shifting the focus towards gratitude, you can set a more positive tone for the conversation. Remember, you have the ability to guide the direction of the discussion and contribute to a more uplifting and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved. Label Your Emotions Dr. Jennifer L. Taitz emphasizes the importance of labeling and acknowledging your emotions as a means of regulating them effectively. By giving a name to the specific emotions you are experiencing, you can gain a sense of control over them rather than feeling overwhelmed by their intensity. For instance, if you recognize that you are feeling anxious because your friend Maggie is stressed about her job, and this triggers concerns about your own job security, acknowledging these feelings can be empowering. By confronting and identifying the underlying reasons for your agitation, you can begin to address and manage them more effectively. This process of emotional labeling allows you to gain insight into the sources of your distress and take appropriate steps to address and navigate through them. It helps to create a greater sense of self-awareness and empowers you to actively engage with your emotions rather than being consumed by them. Mentally Remove Yourself From the Situation Dr. Carla Marie Manly suggests employing a visualization technique where you imagine yourself detaching from the situation and adopting the perspective of an impartial observer, such as a researcher or photographer. By doing so, you create psychological distance and release any judgment or emotional entanglement. As you visualize this detachment, it is beneficial to practice deep and focused breathing. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of relaxation and calmness. This physiological response can further support your emotional detachment and help alleviate any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing. By mentally and emotionally distancing yourself from the stress of others, you recognize that you have the power to choose your level of involvement and not be overwhelmed by their emotions. This technique allows you to maintain your own sense of peace and well-being while still empathizing and supporting others from a healthier and more balanced standpoint. Take Action When you feel anxiety rising within you, it can be helpful to assess whether there is any action you can take to address the issue causing the anxiety. If you determine that there is nothing you can do to change the situation, take a deep breath and visualize releasing it as you exhale slowly. This process allows you to let go of the worry and tension associated with the situation. However, if you realize that there are steps you can take to address the issue, it is important to take action. Even small actions can make a difference. For instance, if consuming too much news exacerbates your uneasiness, you can take a proactive step like disabling news alerts on your phone or setting limits on your social media usage. By taking these actions, you signal to your body and mind that you are actively addressing the situation, which can provide a sense of empowerment and relief. Remember, whether you can directly change the situation or take steps to manage your response to it, every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a positive shift and help alleviate anxiety. Deflect Their Anxiety When a friend is going through a tough time, it’s natural to want to help them. However, sometimes the best way to support someone is to offer them a distraction. Plan an activity together that will take their mind off of their problems. This could be anything from going for a walk to playing a game. Doing something together will help them to feel less alone and give them a chance to relax and recharge. Here are some specific examples of activities that you could do with your friend: Go for a walk or hike Play a game of cards or board games Watch a movie or TV show Go to a

Panel Recommends Routine Anxiety Screening for Adults Under 65—Here’s What That Could Look Like The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released a draft recommendation urging the screening of all adults under the age of 65 for anxiety disorders. This recommendation aims to normalize the screening process for anxiety and highlights the importance of identifying these disorders early to provide appropriate care. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mental health, and there is a growing recognition of the increased struggles individuals are facing. The USPSTF believes that clinicians should have the ability to screen for anxiety disorders in order to identify them early and ensure that individuals receive the necessary care. While the USPSTF recommends widespread screening for anxiety disorders, it reiterates the need for screening for depression in adults but does not propose the same level of universal screening as it does for anxiety. This recommendation acknowledges the importance of addressing mental health concerns and the impact they have on overall well-being. By normalizing the screening process, it is hoped that more individuals will receive the necessary support and treatment for anxiety disorders. As the recommendation progresses, it has the potential to impact healthcare by promoting routine screening for anxiety disorders and ensuring that mental health is given the same importance as physical health in clinical settings. It highlights the need for healthcare providers to be equipped to address mental health concerns and provide appropriate care to individuals experiencing anxiety. Staggering Rates of Mental Health Issues in the U.S. The reported rates of anxiety in the U.S. have been increasing over the years, with a significant jump observed between 2008 and 2018. This rise in anxiety rates is particularly pronounced among young adults. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated anxiety issues, with an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression observed during the pandemic. This global impact prompted the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to prioritize the recommendation for anxiety screening. Anxiety disorders often go under-identified and under-recognized in primary care settings. The USPSTF recognizes that it takes an average of 23 years for individuals with anxiety disorders to receive appropriate treatment, highlighting the importance of early screening and access to care. Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent, affecting around 26% of men and 40% of women over their lifetime. Through their review of available evidence, the USPSTF concluded that screening for anxiety in adults under the age of 65, including pregnant and postpartum individuals, can help identify anxiety early and facilitate appropriate care connections. The recommendation for anxiety screening aims to address the common and significant impact of anxiety disorders on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being. By implementing routine screening, healthcare providers can identify anxiety disorders more effectively and ensure that individuals receive timely and appropriate support and treatment. What Would Widespread Screening Look Like? It’s important to note that the recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding anxiety screening is currently in the draft stage and open for public comment until October 17. While the USPSTF findings are influential for doctors, they are not binding and independent from the U.S. government. If the recommendation were to be widely adopted, patients would be asked to complete a questionnaire about their moods and worries during their primary care visits. If a doctor identifies potential concerns regarding anxiety disorders, they would refer the individual to a mental health professional for further evaluation and discussion of diagnosis or treatment options. This initial screening would likely be a one-time occurrence, unless there are specific concerns raised by the healthcare provider. Anxiety screening is a valuable tool for early detection and intervention, as anxiety can often be misinterpreted or normalized as benign stress. By incorporating screening into routine healthcare visits, individuals with anxiety symptoms can be identified and connected to appropriate care. It is worth noting that the recommendation currently applies to adults under 65, and more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of anxiety screening in different demographic groups. The USPSTF did not find sufficient evidence to recommend anxiety screening for individuals over 65, but providers may still consider screening if deemed beneficial. Additional research is also needed to explore screening for depression and suicide risk, as well as their relevance to specific populations based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. It’s important for individuals experiencing signs or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts to communicate their concerns with healthcare professionals, as appropriate assessment and connection to care are crucial for their well-being. Screening Uncovers the Issue, But Barriers to Treatment Endure While the recommendation for anxiety screening is a positive step towards identifying cases of anxiety disorders, it is essential to acknowledge that diagnosis is just one component of mental health care. After individuals are screened and receive a diagnosis, timely access to treatment is crucial, but there are often barriers that can hinder this process. Disparities in diagnosis and treatment rates for mental health conditions, such as depression, have been observed. Studies have shown that a significant proportion of individuals who screen positive for depression do not receive timely follow-up care within three months. Various factors contribute to these disparities, including cost. Affordability can be a significant deterrent for people seeking mental health services, as highlighted in surveys where individuals cited cost as a barrier to accessing the mental health care they need. Insufficient availability of mental health professionals is another challenge. Many areas, especially rural communities and communities of color, face difficulties in accessing mental health services due to a lack of providers. This shortage highlights the need to expand mental health services and improve accessibility across different populations and geographic regions. There is also a need to bridge the gap between primary care providers and mental health professionals. Collaboration and communication between these two sectors are essential to ensure that individuals identified with mental health conditions receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Addressing these barriers requires comprehensive efforts, including adequate funding for mental health