Nervousness

Nervousness is characterized by an excitability of the nervous system. Excessive excitability of the nervous system characterized by shaken mental poise and stability, muscle tremor or weakness and a feeling of uneasiness are some of the most common attributes of Nervousness. It is one of the most under diagnosed mental health problems of Americans; as many as 20% of people seeking primary care have symptoms of treatable nervous disorders. Untreated nervousness increases costly visits to urgent care.

Nervousness is defined as a subjective feeling of apprehension, foreboding, or dread and is illustrated by nonspecific physical symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, stress, gastrointestinal upset, palpitations, fatigue, muscle aches, tension, or insomnia). Patients commonly say, "I've been under a lot of stress lately." The core symptom of panic disorder is the panic attack, an overwhelming fear of being in danger, during which the individual may experience: pounding heart or chest pain, sweating, trembling, or shaking shortness of breath or sensation of choking, nausea or abdominal pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, feeling unreal or disconnected, fear of losing control, "going crazy," or dying, numbness, chills or hot flashes. Because these attacks occur unexpectedly and seemingly without reason, people with panic disorder often first believe that they are having a heart attack.

Prevention of nervousness is possible with relaxation techniques and therapy.

Causes of nervousness can be many. These include: Sweaty hands, dry mouth and rapid heartbeat cold or hot flashes, lack of concentration, muscle pain in the neck or back, restlessness and agitation, dizziness or faintness, frequent need to use the bathroom for either diarrhea or urination and an upset, jittery stomach. All of us have been nervous, especially when we are afraid of new situations. It may be related to concerns about a relationship, job pressure, or a parenting issue. Nervousness is usually overcome in due course of time. However, when it begins to interfere with our ability to perform our daily tasks, it is time to ask for help. Often talking to a friend, counselor, or clergy will help us find a solution, or a way of coping with our problem. Other causes of nervousness may be related to medical conditions, such as withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, overuse of caffeine or other stimulants, side effects of medication, medical conditions such as seizures, stroke, thyroid or hormone imbalances and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or manic episodes.

The symptoms themselves are the diagnosis of this ailment. Clinicians need to screen for NERVOUSNESS among patients at risk who have physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, gastrointestinal upset, palpitations, muscle aches, tension, and insomnia. Other diagnostic clues include restlessness, nervousness, phobias, trembling, fatigue, and shaking. Onset typically occurs in the 20s but may occur at any age.

Avoid caffeine and concentrate on juices instead. Also try to incorporate a diet of vegetables and fruits as caffeine and smoking often contribute to nervousness.

The secret to achieving true calm, without drugs, is with practice. Nervous people have a tendency to take short shallows breaths. In order to stay calm, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply. Hot bath also makes you feel relaxed. Remove yourself from annoying situations that can be stressful. Try and help yourself to sleep. Drinking hot milk at bedtime or listening to music may help you fall asleep.

Nervousness is all about the mind. If you are not in the right frame of mind and are jittery all the time then these attacks are bound to get severe. So it is highly recommended that you have a relaxed state of mind so that nervousness can be avoided. Adopt an exercise programme, rake walks and listen to music to help calm the mind.