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How to overcome anxiety disorders and regain peace of mind?

5 lutego 2026
Anxiety is a natural response of the body to danger, warning us of threats and mobilizing us to act. The problem arises when anxiety becomes excessive, chronic, and disproportionate to the situation, exceeding safe and healthy limits. Anxiety disorders are a pathological form of experiencing anxiety that significantly interfere with daily functioning. They are classified in ICD-10 under codes F40-F48 and in ICD-11 under category 6B00-6B0Z.

It’s important to note that the symptoms of anxiety disorders can be misleading. Many patients experience a range of psychosomatic symptoms, mistakenly believing they are physical ailments. They may also manifest as insomnia or other sleep disturbances. Another symptom – and also a consequence – of anxiety disorders may be partial withdrawal from social life.

Anxiety disorders are also often misinterpreted as oversensitivity or a lack of mental resilience. As psychologist Mateusz Nesterok emphasizes, these are real mental health disorders that require support and treatment. Therefore, it is valuable to have at least a basic understanding of the types of anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and their underlying mechanisms.

The specifics of anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized primarily by excessive and inappropriate anxiety that negatively affects daily functioning. Unlike healthy worry, these disorders are persistent, disproportionate, and difficult to control.

Mateusz Nesterok points out that anxiety in these disorders is often generalized or even obsessive. Those affected experience it almost constantly, regardless of actual threats. Anxiety no longer serves its protective function but instead becomes a factor that disrupts life.

Anxiety disorders include a broad spectrum, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (with panic attacks). This group also includes social and specific phobias as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The spectrum also covers post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The prevalence of anxiety disorders is steadily increasing. It is estimated that 15–20% of the population will experience them at least once in their lifetime. Risk factors include primarily temperamental traits and environmental stressors, as well as neurotransmitter imbalances – mainly GABA and serotonin. Effective treatment is based on psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy – preferably in combination.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder, is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders. It is characterized by chronic and difficult-to-control worry that affects various aspects of life. Generalized anxiety can be related to health, work, finances, or relationships, but it is not tied to any specific situation. Instead, it has a persistent and pervasive nature that significantly impacts a person's daily functioning.

People with GAD often describe it as constant tension or even a continuous expectation of the worst. This is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle pain, tension in the neck and back, irritability, or fatigue, and frequently also sleep difficulties. This type of anxiety can last for months or even years, greatly affecting quality of life.

Mateusz Nesterok emphasizes that in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, it is crucial to understand that this is not just worrying too much but a real mental disorder caused by dysfunctions in the nervous system and neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin.

Treatment for GAD primarily includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps to identify and change patterns of excessive worrying. In many cases, individualized pharmacotherapy is also used, especially antidepressants from the SSRI or SNRI class, which stabilize the nervous system. Supporting measures include proper sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques.

Panic attacks and panic disorder

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that peak within a few minutes and are often accompanied by physical symptoms. These include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness, and sometimes a feeling of derealization. They can occur both in stressful situations and without any apparent cause.

Nesterok points out that for many people, a panic attack is the most terrifying experience of their lives. The symptoms of a panic attack are often so strong that sufferers believe they are dying or having a heart attack. Misunderstanding the nature of these symptoms can lead to secondary fears and avoidance of situations associated with previous attacks.

Panic disorder is diagnosed when panic attacks occur repeatedly and are accompanied by fear of their recurrence as well as avoidance of places or situations where they previously occurred. This often results in agoraphobia, which is the fear of being in open spaces or crowds.

Treatment includes psychotherapy, especially exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as pharmacotherapy (anti-anxiety medications, SSRIs). Equally important is psychoeducation, helping patients understand that the symptoms of anxiety are not life-threatening but rather the result of an overactive nervous system.

Phobias, OCD, and PTSD - other faces of anxiety

Phobias are intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations. For example, this may include fear of spiders (arachnophobia) or fear of flying (aviophobia), but the range of phobias is very broad. Avoiding these anxiety-inducing triggers can significantly limit a person’s daily functioning.

Mateusz Nesterok emphasizes that phobias often begin in childhood, but if left untreated, they can worsen and spread to other areas of life. People with phobias are often aware of the irrationality of their fears, which leads to frustration and shame.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is another manifestation of anxiety. It is characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions – intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety. An example is the obsessive fear of germs, which leads to compulsive handwashing.

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) occurs after experiencing a traumatic event. It is marked by recurring memories, nightmares, and hyperarousal as well as avoidance of situations reminiscent of the trauma. Treating these disorders requires specialized therapy, often including EMDR and exposure-based approaches.

The path to calmness and life without anxiety

Overcoming anxiety disorders is a long-term process that requires patience, consistency, and support. It is essential to understand that anxiety will not disappear overnight, but it can stop controlling your life. The four pillars of recovery are therapy, pharmacology, social support, and relaxation techniques that are worth learning.

Mateusz Nesterok emphasizes that one of the most important steps is acceptance – both of the symptoms and of oneself in the face of the condition. He also highlights the value of daily rituals such as meditation, walks, emotion journaling, and breathing exercises. These are forms of building psychological resilience that can be highly effective.

Support groups and connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences are invaluable. Realizing that you are not alone and that anxiety does not mean weakness helps overcome isolation and shame. Psychoeducation and access to reliable information also help regain a sense of control.

Anxiety disorders can dominate your life, but they do not have to destroy it. Through conscious self-work, as well as professional help and support from loved ones, it is possible to regain peace, balance, and joy in life. The greatest victory is not the absence of fear but the courage to act despite it.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

FAQ: Anxiety disorders

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a group of clinical conditions characterized by chronic and excessive anxiety or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and often has no objectively justified cause. This type of anxiety interferes with daily functioning because it no longer serves a protective role but instead disrupts life. They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, social and specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

People with anxiety disorders often experience constant worry and mental tension, even in everyday situations. They may suffer from sleep disturbances, concentration problems, chronic muscle tension, and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest tightness. Panic attacks present as sudden, intense episodes - short but dramatic - often leading to feelings of loss of control or fear of dying. Specific phobias manifest as irrational fears of certain triggers and can also provoke strong physiological reactions.

What helps with anxiety disorders?

The most effective treatment is psychological therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps regain control over anxiety, understand its roots, and learn new ways of responding. For severe or persistent symptoms, pharmacological treatment is also used - antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and in some cases pregabalin or medical cannabis. Lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques, meditation, breathing exercises, regular physical activity, reduced stimulants, and good sleep hygiene also play an important role.

Are anxiety disorders a mental illness?

Yes, anxiety disorders are recognized as genuine mental illnesses. They are not simply a sign of sensitivity or weakness. They are medically classified conditions (ICD) that require professional assessment and treatment.

How can you help someone with an anxiety disorder?

The most important thing is to provide understanding and support without judgment. Encourage the person to seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. Relaxation, consistent sleep routines, and physical activity are also beneficial. Helping to establish calming rituals or creating a structured daily plan with healthy habits can be very supportive. Avoid trivializing their fears, as feeling heard and accepted is crucial for recovery.

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