Support for anxiety: The importance of seeking help promptly

Anxiety can significantly impact a person’s mental health and wellbeing, and when left untreated, can go on to cause a number of serious further complications. As revered consultant sleep physician and psychiatrist Dr Dipesh Mistry explains in this informative article, seeking support early is key, as untreated anxiety can become more and more difficult to treat as time goes on.

How can untreated anxiety affect a person over time?

Untreated anxiety has the potential to affect all aspects of someone's life. Many people with anxiety end up struggling with work and feeling quite isolated. Unfortunately, people with untreated anxiety may find themselves in a situation where they're trying to manage the anxiety themselves, sometimes by using substances such as alcohol.

In extreme cases, anxiety has the potential to cause physical health problems. It’s also important to note that untreated anxiety can become increasingly difficult to treat over time. Therefore, it's always best to try and catch the anxiety as early as possible and seek specialist advice when you feel you are struggling.

When should you see a mental health specialist about anxiety?

If your anxiety has reached the stage where it's starting to have a severe and disruptive impact on your work, your personal life or your social life, it’s important to seek out specialist support from a mental health professional to prevent the problem from escalating.

Are some people more prone to developing anxiety than others?

People with certain personality traits have a greater likelihood of developing anxiety, such as those who have a tendency towards perfectionism and overthinking.

In addition, women have been found to be twice as likely to develop anxiety as compared to men. The exact reasons for this are somewhat unclear but possible explanations include a tendency towards rumination in response to life stresses and hormonal fluctuations. Anxiety tends to affect young adults below the age of 35, but it's important to remember that anyone can be affected by anxiety across all age groups.

What is your advice for a person who has identified they are struggling with anxiety?

If you've recognised that anxiety is becoming a significant challenge in your life, taking proactive steps is crucial. First and foremost, don't hesitate to reach out for support and understanding from friends and family. Talking about your feelings can be incredibly therapeutic and help alleviate some of the isolation that often accompanies anxiety.

Additionally, it’s important to consider seeking professional help from a mental health specialist or therapist who can provide you with effective strategies and coping mechanisms tailored to your specific needs.

Engaging in mindfulness practices, exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet can also contribute to managing anxiety. It’s important to note that by taking action early, you can make a substantial difference in your ability to regain control over your life and your mental wellbeing.




If you are struggling with anxiety and wish to schedule a consultation with Dr Mistry, you can do by visiting his Top Doctors profile.