Toronto, June 21 (IANS) Masks have become an integral part of life due to Covid-19. However, people who struggle with social anxiety might experience increased distress related to mask-wearing during and even after the pandemic, finds a study.
Social anxiety is characterised by negative self-perception and fear that one's appearance or behaviour will fail to conform with social expectations and norms. Social anxiety disorder is an extreme manifestation that affects up to 13 percent of the population.
The study by researchers from the University of Waterloo also has implications for those who haven't necessarily suffered from social anxiety in the past.
"It is also possible that many people who didn't struggle with social anxiety before the pandemic may find themselves feeling more anxious than usual as we emerge out of the pandemic and into a more uncertain future -- especially within social situations where our social skills are rusty and the new rules for social engagement are yet to be written," said David Moscovitch, Professor of clinical psychology at the varsity's Department of Psychology.
For the study, published in the journal Anxiety, Stress and Coping, the researchers reviewed existing literature addressing three factors that they hypothesised might contribute to social anxiety associated with mask-wearing: hypersensitivity to social norms, bias in the detection of social and emotional facial cues, and propensity for self-concealment as a form of safety behaviour.
"We found that mask-wearing by people with social anxiety is likely to be influenced by their perception of social norms and expectations, which may or may not be consistent with public-health guidelines and can vary widely by region and context," said lead author Sidney Saint, an undergraduate psychology student at Waterloo.
The study also highlights that people with social anxiety have difficulty detecting ambiguous social cues and are likely to interpret them negatively. These individuals also tend to worry about sounding incomprehensible or awkward.
Another impact is that masks can function as a type of self-concealment strategy that enables people with social anxiety to hide their self-perceived flaws. Therefore, the desire for self-concealment may motivate their use of masks over and above their desire to protect themselves from contagion.
"Due to their self-concealing function, masks may be difficult for some people to discard even when mask-wearing is no longer required by public health mandates," Saint said.
Have you ever seen someone who worries too much about the future constantly and has this constant fear of uncertainty? Like they will think every negative prospect of a situation. Why do they have this fear? Is it normal to feel this way? How can we get rid of these feelings? You will find all these answers in this article.
Table of contents
• What is anxiety?
• Symptoms of anxiety
• Causes and risk factor
• When you need to see your doctor
• General tips for anxiety
• What to eat and avoid?
• Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Also, Read► Combating Stress And Anxiety With Natural Herbs
What is Anxiety?
In Ayurveda, there are three qualities of mind(mano guna) primarily i.e. sattva, raja, and tama.
Sattva guna is associated with positivity, consciousness, spirituality, and lightness. It represents knowledge and intellect and brings calmness to life.
Raja guna is the most active quality among the three. It is associated with excessive movement and stimulation. It is more focused on achievement and passion.
Tama guna is related to heaviness and inertia. It brings a negative attitude on the front leading to letharginess, excessive sleep, etc.
In Ayurveda, Anxiety is correlated with chittoudvega. Chittoudvega can be defined as chitta(mind) + udvega(anxiety) = chittoudvega (anxious state of mind). Chittoudvega is a psychiatric disorder due to vitiation in raja and tama doshas along with vata and pitta. People having alpa sattva is more prone to anxiety.
Anxiety mainly comprises of two factors:
Fear: unpleasurable feeling in response to danger and threat.
Worry: thinking about unpleasant things that makes you feel unhappy and upsets you.
So chittaudvega or anxiety disorder is characterized by uncontrollable, irrational, and excessive worrying about everyday things that are not even going to happen.
Symptoms of Anxiety
As symptoms of anxiety may differ from person to person but some symptoms are common in all of them like persistent unrealistic worry often associated with muscle tension, insomnia, impaired concentration, feeling ‘on edge’, or restlessness. Other symptoms of anxiety are:
1.Sammoha(Illusion)
2.Angamarda(Body ache)
3.Ayasa(Easy fatiguability)
4.Ucchawasasyadhikyam(Dyspnoea)
5.Anannabhilasha(Anorexia)
6.Avipaka(indigestion)
7. Anidra( Insomnia)
8.Nidra nash(Disturbed sleep)
9.Shirash shoonyata(Numbness of mind)
10.Unmattachitattavam(Lack of concentration)
11.Krodh(anger)
12.Udvega(palpitations)
13.Swanokarnayo(Tinnitus)
Also, Read► Low fitness may increase depression and anxiety: Study
Causes And Risk Factor of Anxiety
In ayurvedic literature, it is believed that weak sattva leads to anxiety. Vitiation in raja and tama along with vata and pitta is responsible for this psychiatric disorder. Factors that cause anxiety are:
1. Genetic Factor: In some families, it runs from one generation to the next.
2. Traumatic Events: stressful events in life like workplace tension, Financial stress, death of a loved one can lead to anxiety.
3. Excessive Use of Alcohol: Alcoholic tendencies leads to vitiation of raja and tama doshas.
4. Health Issues: Some diseases like heart diseases, thyroid disorders can lead the person to depression. Slowly with time, it results in anxiety.
When You Need To See Your Doctor
It is very normal that you feel anxious before taking an exam or a job interview. But when a person starts having problems in making daily life decisions and worries too much that he/she can't concentrate then they need to consult a doctor. Generally, a diagnosis of anxiety is made when a person continuously feels anxious about everyday problems for more than 6 months.
General Tips For Anxiety
In today's world lifestyle is changing so fast and everybody is trying to fulfill all the physical desires. Everybody seems like he is carrying a weight across their shoulder. So psychiatric disorders like anxiety are quite often seen even in the younger generation. But some of the following tips may help you in relaxation and relieve that mental burden:
1. In Ayurveda weak sattva is considered responsible for mano roga(mental disorder). So sattvavajaya chikitsa(bringing the mind under control) is recommended for peace of mind. For this we should follow these tips:
A. Following ritucharya(seasonal regimen) and dinacharya(daily regimen):
* We should include certain things in our daily lifestyle(dinacharya) like praying, having gratitude towards what we have, cleanliness and vyayam(exercise), etc. This will have a positive impact on our life.
* In certain seasons people feel more anxious like in summers. So we should follow a particular regimen to avoid seasonal anxiety.
B. Sattva guna can be improved by following sadvritta(code of virtues). This includes:
• Moral and ethical conduct
• Truth, non-violence
• Personal hygiene etc.
The practice of sadvritta(behavioral approaches mainly) will reduce stress and anxiety.
C. Annapanavidhi(dietary rules):
Here are few tips:
• Avoiding rajasic and tamasic foods like chili and caffeine.
• Eating meals at the same time.
• Including foods like kshira(milk), ghrita(ghee), draksha(grapes) in the diet to balance vata and pitta dosha.
2. Abhyanga(Body massage): Body massage is a great way to relieve tension and anxiety. One can simply have a tila taila(sesame oil) or sarshap taila(mustard oil) massage.
3. Shirodhara(Streaming of medicated oil, milk, decoction on the forehead): Pouring medicated oils like chandanadi taila or even simple oils like sesame oil over the forehead can calm down those stressed nerves.
4. Pranayam(Breathing exercises): Pranayam have some really good effect on anxiety. One should focus on inhalations and exhalations, and try to lengthen them with some pause. Pranayam like Anulom-vilom(alternate nostril breathing), kapalbhati, bhastrika, and bhramari can soothe your nerves.
5. Yoga and meditation: Some asanas in yoga can help to relieve symptoms of anxiety when practiced regularly like dhanurasan(bow pose), setu bandhasana(bridge pose), marjariasana(cat stretch), shirshaasan(headstand), etc.
Also, Read► Ways to deal with coronavirus anxiety
What To Eat And Avoid?
In ayurvedic literature, dietary habits held great importance in determining a person’s health. As in anxiety, we see symptoms like anannaabhilasha(anorexia) and avipaka(indigestion) related to the gastro intestinal system, it seems more important to focus on the diet of the person. So one should follow these rules:
• One should have regular meals at the same time.
• Eat warm food that is cooked in little oil or ghrita(ghee) to balance vata dosha.
• Include more sattvic foods in the diet like seasonal fruits and homemade simple meals.
• Drink milk mixed with kesar(saffron) before bedtime as it will help in sleep.
• Avoid processed foods like bakery items, frozen food and deep-fried food.
• Avoid rajasic and tamasic foods like chili, caffeine, and processed meats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is anxiety?
Ans. Anxiety or as we call it chittoudvega in Ayurveda is characterized by constantly worrying or feeling anxious all the time that a person might feel difficulty in his everyday life. One can also develop physical symptoms gradually like angamarda(body aches), anannaabhilasha(anorexia), anidra(insomnia), etc.
Q2. How can we avoid it?
Ans. As Ayurveda believes in nidana parivarjan(removal of the cause) as its first line of treatment, adopting a yogic lifestyle may help in preventing anxiety. The yamas and niyamas(principles) of yoga can help you achieve that sattvic lifestyle. For instance, the shaucha principle is all about the cleanliness of the mind and body. The Santosh principle talks about contentment with whatever you have in your life. Also, the aparigraha principle can help in controlling our desires to possess more.
One should also eat nutritious food and lead a healthy lifestyle with the help of yoga, pranayama, and dhyana(meditation).
Q3. How can I relieve stress and anxiety naturally?
Ans. Most natural ways to combat anxiety are getting good sleep, exercising, reducing caffeine intake, laughter therapy, practicing breathing exercises, and reducing the causes of stress in your life. Mindfulness, physical connection with your partner, and spending time with your family and friends can also do wonders in this scenario. Just take things slowly and follow one day at a time rule.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Stress And Anxiety
Ayurveda not only talks about physical health but also the mental health of a person is equally important which makes it a complete science for a living. For anxiety also, Ayurveda focuses on both prospects.
Acharya Charak has recommended 3 methods of treatment:
• Daivavyapashraya chikitsa (Spiritual or divine treatment)
• Yukti vyapashraya chikitsa (Logical therapy)
• Satwavajaya chikitsa (Psychotherapy)
1. For daivavyapasraya chikitsa, one should pray to god, give charity, chant different mantras, etc. These practices will lift the spirits of the patient and they can feel more contented in themselves.
2. Yukti vyapashraya or as we may call it drug therapy, targets proper diet, medication, and rasayanas also.
Shodhan therapy (Body detoxification) like nasya(nasal instillation), Abhyanga(body massage), virechana(purgation), basti(enema), shirolepa, taildhara can be helpful in effectively treating this condition.
3. Satwavajaya chikitsa also plays an important role in this. In this, we provide counseling for managing different issues, replace negative thoughts, and restrain the mind from unnecessary thinking by analytical thinking, courage, and knowledge. Different mental disorders which can induce anxiety-like anger issues, PTSD and different type of phobias can also be treated under this.
Ayurvedic Medicine For Stress And Anxiety
There are several medicines in Ayurveda to treat anxiety that have shown amazing results. Medicines like Brahmi ghrita, ashwagandha churna, kalyanak ghrita, panchagavya ghrit, saraswatarishta, sarpagandha, jatamansi, etc are being used by ayurvedic practitioners to tackle this situation.
Q4. What herbs are good for stress and anxiety?
Ans. Herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and bhringraj (Eclipta alba) are well-known herbs for anxiety disorder. They help in reducing stress levels, detoxifying the body, and calm your mind. You can simply incorporate them into your lifestyle as tea, oils, or powdered form and get various benefits. Even external application is beneficial in some cases.
Q5. Can anxiety go away naturally?
Ans. Mild cases of anxiety can go away after the issue causing it is resolved. But if you have an anxiety disorder or repetitive attacks, then you might need to see your doctor.
Q6. What is the 333 rule for anxiety?
Ans. As anxiety can flare up at any time of your day, it's really important to take care of your mental health as you do for your body. 333 rule can be really helpful to manage your anxiety attacks. For this, look around you and name 3 things you see. Then focus on your hearing and name 3 sounds that you hear. At last move 3 of your body parts like your fingers, legs, or arms. During this whole process remember to take slow and deep breaths. This is a proven effective method to stop your mind to overthink and calm down your mind.
Q7. What foods to avoid if you have anxiety?
Ans. Different processed foods like bakery goods, frozen food, refined cereals, candy, and fried food are not good for you if you are dealing with anxiety. Also, caffeine, chili, and processed meat should be avoided.
References
• Agnivesh, “Charak Samhita” revised by Charaka & Dridhbala with “Ayurved Deepika commentary”, by Chkarapanidatta, edited by Vd. Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya, published by Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, Reprint-2008, Ch.Vi 6/5 pp.254.
• Acharya YT. Charaka: Charaka Samhita with Āyurveda Deepika Commentary of Chakrapani: Chaukhambha Orientalia; Varanasi 2002, 383,384
• Acharya Jadavaji Trikamji, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sutra Sthana, Ch. 1/Ver. 54; 5th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sanst han; 2001.
• www.nhp.gov.in
Read More► Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms And Ayurvedic Treatment
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has struck both people's mental health and physical health, with necessary protocols like social distancing and restricted mobility making the average Indian feel alienated and low-spirited.
In a country that already grappled with silent mental health issues pre-pandemic, the current Covid-19 situation has further exacerbated stress and anxiety at an unprecedented scale, reaching all strata and ages.
Ayurvedic expert and founder of Vedas Cure, Vikas Chawla, shares that people may experience a wide variety of psychological effects as a result of infectious outbreaks.
He says: "Individually, new psychological symptoms in people without mental illness may precipitate or intensify the condition of someone with pre-existing mental illness, causing anxiety to their caregivers. Regardless of their exposure to the virus, one can constantly feel fear, anxiety and helplessness about being sick, which may lead to mental breakdowns and poor mental health."
Also, Read► The Impact of The Pandemic on Children
"The pandemic has severely affected the economy of our country. Many industries such as hospitality, tourism, education and entertainment are close to or have shut down. Due to this many people have either lost their jobs or their remuneration has been cut down by as much as 50 per cent. Such kinds of loss of jobs and/or income has also put people under a lot of stress and mental pressure," says Chawla.
Economic fluctuations, unemployment, increased competition, and unattainable high expectations contribute to a rise in psychological and psychosomatic disorders such as frustration, anxiety, depression, phobias, and personality changes. Stress is said to be responsible for nearly 75 per cent of all diseases. And if not diagnosed and treated promptly, they may lead to extreme depression, insomnia, sleep disorders, migraines, and headaches, among other issues, he adds.
According to him, Ayurveda has effective ways of helping an individual to deal with stress and anxiety. Hundreds of medicinal plants with immune modulator, anti-oxidant, and memory-enhancing properties are available in Ayurveda. Brahmi, ashwagandha, bhringraj, tulsi, ghee, and natural herbs can help relax the mind and address most of these disorders, he opines.
Also, Read► How Stress Impacts Skin
"It is important to resolve and handle certain concerns naturally in order to live a happier life. A well-known memory-booster, Brahmi is an angel in disguise for your mental well-being, overall. It has a relaxing, anti-stress effect on the central nervous system. Its frequent intake will help you combat anxiety by calming you down."
He further adds,"Bhringraj can detoxify your body, encourage oxygen supply to your brain, and make your brain healthier and stronger, helping it to fend off stress and handle its effects better when ingested orally in the form of Bhringraj herbal teas and powder dissolved in water. Ashwagandha has a long list of health benefits, including improved endurance, immunity, decreased inflammation, and defense against cognitive and neurological disorders. It can also assist you in managing and reducing anxiety. This herb's extract has soothing properties and encourages anti-stress adaptogenic activity in the brain."
Due to the existence of anti-oxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and free radicals generated in the body due to stress and anxiety, Ayurveda also recommends consuming tulsi as a preventive measure and a remedy to combat stress and anxiety.
"Slow massage with certain essential oils helps with migraines, insomnia, and depression. A variety of essential oils and other herbal formulations are available in the market by various brands, including ours, which have proven to be very effective. A quick head massage with Lavender essential oil particularly is highly recommended before going to bed as it encourages immediate relaxation and sleep," Chawla concludes.
Read More► Why Is Sleep so Important?
करीब 4,500 साल पहले स्थापित भारतीय संस्कृति दुनिया की सबसे पुरानी संस्कृतियों में से एक है। कई भारतीय धर्मग्रंथों में भारत को 'दुनिया की पहली और सर्वोच्च संस्कृति' बताया गया है।
पारंपरिक भारतीय प्रथाओं और जीवन जीने के तरीकों को किसी के जीवन काल को लम्बा करने में मदद मिली है। एक स्वस्थ जीवन को बनाए रखने और एक बीमारी मुक्त खुशहाल जीवन जीने के लिए ये परम्पराएँ पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी चली आ रही हैं। आज हम जो जीवन जी रहे हैं, वह उस जीवन से बहुत दूर है जो 50 साल पहले जैसा था, बहुत कुछ जिसे संरक्षित करने की आवश्यकता थी। नीचे सूचीबद्ध कुछ प्राचीन अनुष्ठान हैं जो एक स्वस्थ जीवन शैली का नेतृत्व करने में मदद करते हैं, और प्रकृति के साथ एक गहरा सार्थक संबंध विकसित करने में भी मदद करते हैं:
* मिट्टी या तांबे के बर्तनों से पानी पिएं: माइक्रोप्लास्टिक्स जो अब हमारे रक्तप्रवाह में अपना रास्ता तलाश चुके हैं जिससे हम कभी कल्पना भी नहीं कर सकते थे। मिट्टी के बर्तनों और तांबे के बर्तनों से पानी पीने से आपकी प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली को बढ़ावा मिलता है, पाचन की सुविधा होती है, जोड़ों और मांसपेशियों को मजबूत करता है, और शरीर में रक्त परिसंचरण में सुधार करने में मदद करता है।
* नंगे पैर चलना: फैंसी जूते और जूते हर समय? हम आपको कुछ दूसरी सलाह देंगे। पहले यह नियम था जिसमें कोई भी घर के अंदर जूते नहीं पहनता था। बदलते समय, मधुमेह और अन्य बीमारियों के साथ, यह कई लोगों के लिए एक व्यवहार्य विकल्प नहीं है। कहा जा रहा है, आपको नंगे पैर चलने की कोशिश करनी चाहिए, जबकि अभी भी ओस है, जो आपके जागने के बाद पहली चीज है। यह जोड़ों के दर्द को कम करने में मदद करता है, मांसपेशियों के तनाव को कम करता है, और यहां तक कि तनाव के स्तर को भी कम करता है। आपको बस अपने नियमित फुटवियर से ब्रेक लेना है- दिन में सिर्फ एक बार।
* गोल्ड और सिल्वर ज्वैलरी पहनना: अपने जन्म के तुरंत बाद एक नए जन्मे बच्चे के कान छिदवाना एक परंपरा है जिसका पालन सभी भारतीय करते हैं। सोने और चांदी के आभूषण पहनने से शरीर के तापमान को नियंत्रित करने, चिंता और तनाव को कम करने और किसी के मूड को ठीक करने में मदद मिलती है। हम अनुशंसा करते हैं कि धातु के गहने और खाई वाले प्लास्टिक पहने जो कुछ भी नहीं करते हैं, लेकिन उस विषाक्त अपशिष्ट को जोड़ते हैं।
* अपने हाथों से भोजन करना: पश्चिम की नकल करने की कोशिश में, हमने कटलरी का उपयोग अधिक सभ्य बनाने के लिए किया है। हालांकि यह मामला नहीं है। प्राचीन भारत में, राजा और उनके विषयों दोनों ने अपने हाथों का उपयोग करके अपना खाना खाया। यह न केवल अपने भीतर 'प्राण' या जीवन ऊर्जा को बढ़ाता है, बल्कि किसी की भूख को भी तृप्त करता है - इसके अलावा परोसे गए भोजन के लिए विनम्रता और सम्मान लाता है।
* आदत डालना- जल्दी खाना: आयुर्वेद और इसके सिद्धांतों में सुबह 8 बजे, रात को सोने से 10 या 11 बजे पहले खाना खाने का सुझाव दिया गया है। आखिरी भोजन के कम से कम 3 घंटे बाद जल्दी और सोने के लिए यह अनुशासन सभी गैस्ट्रोइंटेस्टाइनल और पाचन समस्याओं में से एक रहने में मदद कर सकता है।
* 'शौच' या स्वच्छता का अभ्यास करना: स्वच्छ जीवन के महत्व को अब पहले से अधिक दोहराते हुए, हमें हर दिन स्नान करने, घर के बाहर अपने जूते रखने और स्वच्छता का अभ्यास करने की प्रासंगिकता को समझना चाहिए।
* अभ्यास योग: योग और ध्यान की शक्ति को कम करके नहीं आंका जाता है! प्रत्येक दिन 30 मिनट योग को समर्पित करते हैं- गहरे ध्यान और स्वस्थ भोजन के अलावा कपालभाति और सूर्य नमस्कार के 4 दौर। यह आप सभी को खाड़ी में अधिकांश बीमारियों को रखने और स्वस्थ जीवन जीने की आवश्यकता है। (एजेंसी)
यह भी पढ़े► स्वस्थ्य रहना है तो आयुर्वेद के इन पांच नियमों को अपनाएँ
Washington, May 1 (IANS) The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday urged Covid-19 vaccine providers to be aware of anxiety-related events after vaccination.Syncope and other anxiety-related events can occur after Covid-19 vaccination, said the CDC, Xinhua reported.The CDC received reports of clusters of anxiety-related events after administration of the Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine on April 7 from five mass vaccination sites, all in different states, 5 weeks after the vaccine got authorization for emergency use in the country.Overall, 64 anxiety-related events, including 17 reports of syncope, an anxiety-related event, among 8,624 Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine recipients, were reported from these sites for vaccines administered during April 7 to 9, according to the CDC.It is important that vaccination providers are aware that anxiety-related adverse events might be reported more frequently after receipt of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine than after influenza vaccination, said the CDC.The agency urged vaccination providers to observe all COVID-19 vaccine recipients for any adverse reactions for at least 15 minutes after vaccine administration. --IANSint/pgh
Mumbai, April 27 (IANS) Sparking worries, the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has informed the Maharashtra government that it can supply Covishield vaccines to the state only after May 20, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said here on Tuesday.Tope said the availability of vaccines remains an uphill task and the state needs at least one week's quota delivered at one go in order to inoculate the maximum number of people."The SII has informed the state government that it can supply the Covishield vaccines only after May 20," Tope told mediapersons, even as the state has only 72 hours left before rolling out the vaccination drive for people in the 18-45 age group from May 1.Expressing concern over the development, the state spokesperson of the Congress, Sachin Sawant, said that SII's stance that it cannot supply the vaccines till May 20 since all stocks have been booked by the Modi government would put question mark on the upcoming inoculation drive for the 18-45 age group.Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sawant said that this is not the time to discuss lack of availability of vaccines."Where is your strategy? Modiji has no clue about supply of vaccines. The Centre has restricted the supplies to only two companies, and now it wants the states to buy from these two companies for the 18-45 age group," Sawant pointed out.Since vaccines are in short supply and the Centre will take care of the 45-plus population, he sought to know whether the PM can set a target date for completing the vaccination drive in India.On revised prices announced recently by the SII and the government-run Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL), Tope said that the Centre's intervention asking them to slash the prices may help.While SII's Covishield will be sold to the states at Rs 400/dose, BBIL will sell its Covaxin for Rs 600/dose, and the prices shall be even higher for the private hospitals.Tope said that the state has an estimated 5.71 crore people in the 18-45 age-group and needs around 12 crore vaccines over the next several months."At the prevailing rates, the state will have to shell out around Rs 7,500 crore for inoculating the entire 18-45 age group population. In this situation, the state government will bear the cost of vaccinating the economically weaker sections of society," Tope said.Earlier on Tuesday, Health Secretary Pradeep Vyas sent letters to the two companies wanting to know how many doses they can supply each month for the next six months for the massive inoculation drive scheduled to begin from May 1.--IANSqn/arm
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