Ready To Get Started?
Reach Out & Give Us A Call. We're Here To Help.
1800102111
Need Support?
Have Queries About Your Current Product? Please Write Us An Email & We'll Sort it Out.
customer.care@sbigeneral.in
What Is Free Floating Anxiety?
Having a constant feeling of unease without an obvious reason is known as free-floating anxiety. Unlike situational anxiety, which happens in response to specific events or stressors, free-floating anxiety feels constant and can cause people to experience increased worry, restlessness, and physical pain for no apparent reason.
This article explores the symptoms, potential causes, and effective coping strategies for managing free-floating anxiety, as well as the importance of health insurance for mental health care.
What are the Symptoms of Free-Floating Anxiety?
The symptoms of free-floating anxiety can vary widely, often presenting as a combination of psychological and physical challenges. Floating anxiety symptoms impact daily life and can interfere with work, relationships, and your overall well-being.
1. Psychological Symptoms
Excessive Worry: An overwhelming sense of worry that persists without a clear reason.
Irritability: Increased sensitivity and irritability, often triggered by minor issues.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks due to a “foggy” or distracted mind.
Restlessness: Feeling tense, fidgety, or unable to sit still.
Feelings of Dread: A sense of impending doom or fear, without an identifiable source.
Hypervigilance: Being overly aware of surroundings, which can lead to feeling easily startled.
2. Physical Symptoms
Muscle Tension: Tightness or stiffness in muscles, leading to physical discomfort.
Fatigue: Constant tiredness, even with adequate rest.
Sweating: Perspiration, especially in stressful situations.
Trembling or Shaking: Involuntary physical reactions to anxiety.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Digestive problems, such as nausea or stomach aches.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feelings of faintness or unsteadiness.
Rapid Heartbeat: Noticeably faster heart rate, often experienced during anxiety episodes.
These symptoms can be mild or severe, with some people experiencing only a few symptoms while others feel the full spectrum. In any case, understanding these symptoms helps in identifying free-floating anxiety and seeking support.
Also Read: How to Check Heart Health?
What Causes Free Floating Anxiety?
Free-floating anxiety is associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and may stem from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Here’s a look at some common causes:
1. Genetics
Anxiety can have a genetic component. Individuals who have a family history of anxiety disorders are more prone to experiencing it themselves. According to research, certain genetic pathways determine how people respond to stress.
2. Environment
Elevated anxiety levels can result from living in a stressful or unpredictable environment, especially one where there are constant dangers like violence or economic difficulties. This constant state of heightened awareness can make people feel uneasy even when there are no longer any obvious dangers.
3. Past Trauma
Trauma, especially in childhood, can have long-lasting effects on mental health. Experiences such as abuse, loss, or neglect often create deep-rooted anxiety that emerges as free-floating anxiety in adulthood.
4. Stress
Constant exposure to stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to heightened anxiety and increase the likelihood of free-floating anxiety. Daily life stressors, when unmanaged, can trigger this anxiety.
5. Brain development
Some people are more prone to anxiety due to certain structures of the brain. Free-floating anxiety may be more likely to happen in those who are highly sensitive to stress or who tend to think back on unpleasant experiences.
Also Read: Helpful Techniques to Keep Stress Under Check
Tips for Dealing with Free Floating Anxiety
1. Therapy
Negative thought patterns can be recognized and reframed with the aid of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Another option is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). It reduces the emotional burden of anxiety by combining mindfulness and cognitive skills.
Consulting a therapist offers a safe setting for identifying underlying issues and developing coping mechanisms.
Depending on individual needs and preferences, either group or individual sessions may be beneficial.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a structured technique that focuses on methodically building up tension and then relaxing every muscle in the body.
It reduces Physical Tension and promotes a soothing effect by assisting in the release of tension in the body caused by anxiety.
The grounding technique helps manage spiralling anxious thoughts by refocusing attention on the body.
When used in conjunction with deep breathing exercises, it improves the relaxation response and is a rapid and efficient tool.
3. Reach Out for Positive Support
Social Connection: Sharing worries with trusted friends or family reduces feelings of isolation.
Encouragement and Empathy: Positive support offers comfort and an outside perspective that eases anxious feelings.
Support Groups: Connecting with others facing similar challenges creates a sense of belonging and shares coping strategies.
Lighthearted Activities: Spending time with others in uplifting activities can reduce anxiety symptoms.
4. Accept the Emotion
Practice Non-Judgmental Observation: Observe anxious thoughts without labelling them as "bad" or trying to suppress them.
Reduce Resistance: Acceptance can diminish anxiety’s intensity by breaking the cycle of frustration and distress.
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Mindfulness focuses on the present moment, and self-compassion promotes understanding toward oneself, helping reduce anxiety’s hold.
Recognize Transience: Accepting that anxiety is temporary can make it feel less overwhelming.
Also Read: Is our lifestyle choice the root cause of chronic diseases?
When to Seek Support?
If free-floating anxiety disrupts daily life, affects relationships, or feels unmanageable, seeking professional help is advisable. Mental health professionals can diagnose and recommend tailored treatment plans, including therapy, medication, and coping strategies. Many people find that professional support provides a structured path to understanding and overcoming their anxiety.
Accessing mental health care, whether through therapy, medication, or wellness programs, is essential for managing anxiety effectively. Unfortunately, mental health services can be costly, making health insurance for mental health an important resource for many.
When selecting a health insurance provider, it’s wise to look for coverage that includes mental health services, as this ensures access to a range of therapies, preventive care, and support networks that can be instrumental in managing free-floating anxiety.
Conclusion
Free-floating anxiety is a challenging condition, but with a clear understanding of its symptoms and causes, effective strategies can be applied to manage it. Therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and building a strong support network can significantly manage the symptoms, helping individuals live with less worry and tension. More importantly, health insurance coverage for mental health is essential in ensuring access to the professional support needed to manage this anxiety.
SBI General Insurance offers policies that can reduce the financial burden of mental health treatments, making it easier to prioritize mental well-being and access necessary care. Taking proactive steps toward managing anxiety can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Recent Blogs
Health Insurance
6 Healthy Habits For Families
The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals.
Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health.
6 Healthy Habits for Families
Eating a healthy diet, together as a family
The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food.
Make meal prep a fun activity
For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children.
Have no-phone zones
Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding.
Be more active as a family
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices.
Practice hand hygiene
As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands.
Do not skip medical tests
The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses
Why is family insurance a must?
Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Health Insurance
10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause
Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.
Health Insurance
12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.
Health Insurance
20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.
Given its essential functions, maintaining adequate vitamin A levels is crucial for both adults and children. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of including vitamin A-rich foods in one’s diet. This article explores the various sources of vitamin A, recommended intake, health benefits, and how to prevent deficiency.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is essential for several physiological processes. It is found in animal-based foods such as retinol and in plant-based foods as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Recommended daily intake levels differ based on age and gender. Adult men require approximately 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A daily, while adult women need about 700 mcg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women generally require higher amounts to support foetal and infant development.
Role of Vitamin A in Health
Vitamin A is associated with various health benefits, from antioxidant protection to immunity. Below are some of its primary roles:
1. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and ageing.
2. Immunity: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining immune function, and enhancing the body’s response to infections.
3. Eye Health: Known for promoting good vision, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and age-related vision problems.
4. Skin Health: Vitamin A supports skin health by promoting cell growth, reducing wrinkles, and addressing acne concerns.
5. Organ Functioning: It aids in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
6. Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a role in reproductive health and foetal development, making it essential for pregnant women.
7. Foetal Development: It is critical for foetal tissue and organ development during pregnancy.
8. Teeth and Gums: It contributes to healthy teeth and gums, supporting oral health.
Also Read: 6 Key Pregnancy Care Tips You Should Know
Animal Foods High in Vitamin A
Animal-based foods are an excellent source of preformed vitamin A, which is easily absorbed by the body. Here is a vitamin A foods chart showcasing some common animal-based vitamin A sources.
| Name | Particulars |
| Liver (beef, lamb, chicken) | Extremely rich in vitamin A; 100 grams provide more than 6 times the daily requirement |
| Cod Liver Oil | A tablespoon provides up to 4,500 mcg of vitamin A |
| Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Butter) | Source of vitamin A in moderate amounts, especially whole milk products |
| Eggs | Egg yolks contain around 140 mcg per 100 gms |
| Fish | Fatty fish is a good source of vitamin A, particularly retinol. |
| Shellfish | Provides moderate amounts of vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. |
Vegetables High in Vitamin A
Vegetables, particularly those that are orange, yellow, or dark green, are rich in carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Here is a chart listing vegetables that are vitamin A high foods.
| Name | Particulars |
| Sweet Potato | Contains around 1400 mcg per medium potato, providing well over the daily recommended intake |
| Carrot | A single large carrot offers about 1,000 mcg of vitamin A. |
| Spinach | Once cup cooked provides approx. 943 mcg |
| Kale | A cup cooked provides approximately 943 mcg |
| Red Bell Pepper | Provides about 140 mcg per 100 grams |
| Butternut Squash | Offers around 1,000 mcg per cup |
| Collard Greens | Contains 770 mcg per cooked cup |
| Swiss Chard | A good source, with 300 mcg per cup. |
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin D for Vegetarians
Fruits High in Vitamin A
Certain fruits, especially those with orange or yellow pigmentation, are rich in beta-carotene and contribute to daily vitamin A intake.
| Name | Particulars |
| Mango | Contains about 54 mcg of vitamin A per 100 gms. |
| Cantaloupe | A cup of diced cantaloupe provides 270 mcg. |
| Papaya | Offers around 47 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Apricots | Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, with 96 mcg per fruit. |
| Guava | Contains about 31 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Watermelon | A cup of watermelon offers around 43 mcg. |
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is relatively common and can lead to symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, poor immune response, and growth delays in children. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause complete blindness and increase the risk of infections. Here are a few signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:-
1) Irregular white deposits in eyes
2) Delayed Growth (in children)
3) Infertility
4) Infections
5) Night Blindness
6) Lack of quick healing of wounds
If these signs are observed it is recommended to take the required tests and get medications from a doctor.
On the other hand, excess vitamin A, primarily from supplements, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage in severe cases. It’s essential to balance vitamin A intake and avoid excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is essential for overall health, supporting skin, vision, immune function, and reproductive health. By incorporating a variety of vitamin A sources—such as liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens—one can easily meet daily requirements and enjoy a balanced diet. To safeguard long-term health, consider monitoring your diet and explore a health insurance policy that promotes regular health check-ups and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I increase my vitamin A?
To boost vitamin A intake, incorporate foods rich in both retinoids (from animal products) and carotenoids (from plants) into your diet. Add liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens to your meals regularly.
2) How do you increase vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, pairing it with healthy fats (such as olive oil or avocado) can enhance absorption. This helps the body more effectively utilise the nutrient.
3) What are the symptoms of low vitamin A?
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections, and, in severe cases, complete blindness. Other symptoms may include delayed growth in children and poor wound healing.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Access and manage all your Insurance Needs in one place, right at your Fingertips.
4.5/5*
Access and manage all your Insurance Needs in one place, right at your Fingertips.
Download Our App
We're socially active!
