Old Qian was in a terrible state. He hadn't eaten in half a month, surviving only on a few bites forced upon him daily by his family. Pale-faced with dry, chapped lips, he sat in the clinic looking utterly despondent, saying nothing.
According to his family, Old Qian, 68, had worked as an enterprise executive for decades and possessed a stubborn personality.Six years ago, when his daughter became pregnant and gave birth, he retired completely from his job, intending to enjoy his grandchildren with his wife. Yet he encountered numerous disappointments—mostly trivial matters upon closer inspection. For instance, he forbade his grandson from eating while watching TV, insisted lights be turned off immediately, and banned junk food... He demanded strict adherence from his grandson, but his daughter and son-in-law considered such details insignificant.Old Qian knew he shouldn't be taking on parental responsibilities, yet he feared the child would be ruined if things continued this way. After leading others for half his life, he now felt "powerless to do anything."
After a while, Old Qian stopped speaking, stopped offering opinions, and stopped participating in any activities involving his grandson. At first, the family didn't pay much attention, thinking it was just an elderly person sulking—nothing serious. It wasn't until recently, when he refused to eat, that they realized he was ill.
In fact, Old Qian's behavior is a symptom of anxiety disorder. Besides feeling unwell, what other signs might anxiety disorder present?
1. Sleep disturbances
Sleep problems are common in anxiety disorders. Some sufferers experience nightmares and wake easily. Others sleep deeply and snore, yet wake feeling exhausted as if they hadn't slept at all.
2. Anxious Emotions
Anxiety sufferers may suddenly experience palpitations, panic, chest tightness, shortness of breath, discomfort or pain in the chest area, along with accelerated heart rate and breathing. They feel suffocated, experience significant declines in daily functioning, and are accompanied by intense fear and a sense of impending doom. They may feel utterly out of control, with an overwhelming urge to scream or cry for help.
3. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
Anxiety sufferers may simultaneously experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction and physical discomfort, including rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, muscle tension, uncontrollable hand tremors, and even unprovoked anger. They may lose clarity in perceiving their surroundings, experience simplified thinking, and live in constant dread.
So how can anxiety be self-managed?
1. Deep Breathing.
When facing emotional tension, try deep breathing to help relieve stress and reduce anxiety and tension. When anxious, your pulse quickens and breathing accelerates. Deep breathing forces you to slow your breathing rate, signaling to your body that the anxiety has passed. Proper abdominal breathing involves your abdomen rising and falling with each inhale and exhale.
2. Moderate Exercise.Research shows exercise eliminates certain anxiety-inducing chemicals, promoting mental relaxation and uplifting mood. When anxious, simply stop overthinking and go for a run, play ball, or swim. Not only does this strengthen your body, it effectively eases anxiety, leaving you with more energy to tackle other tasks.
Emotional release is a vital method for relieving stress and maintaining psychological balance. Share your tension and anxiety with loved ones or friends to adjust your inner state; or find a suitable place to cry or laugh out loud, releasing pent-up melancholy.