Anxiety

Everyone experiences some anxiety during stressful times or major life transitions. Occasional, everyday worry is also typical. However, excessive, frequent, or overwhelming worry that disrupts your thoughts and daily life could indicate an anxiety disorder, and seeking professional help might be beneficial.

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is a natural human response to the perception of a threat. Sometimes that natural response goes into overdrive and gets the better of us, dominating our thoughts to no good effect. When this happens, a ‘trigger’ of some sort has transformed normal levels of worry into anxiety (or, more precisely, ‘anxiety disorder’) — something more serious that needs treatment.

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Symptoms & Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety manifests in a variety of ways, both physically and psychologically. If you have anxiety, you likely experience frequent, excessive worry about various everyday concerns, such as health, finances, family, work, or school.

These worries will likely dominate your thoughts and seem disproportionate to the actual level of risk. Because anxiety symptoms vary widely. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step towards understanding and addressing anxiety.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Physical

Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Digestive issues

Psychological

Restlessness or feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Excessive worry or fear
Feeling of impending doom
Panic attacks

It’s important to note that the experience of anxiety can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may primarily experience physical symptoms, while others may struggle more with psychological ones.

Causes of Anxiety

The causes of anxiety disorders are complex and not fully understood. However, several factors are believed to contribute to their development:

Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders can increase your risk.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters in the brain can play a role.
Personality: Certain personality traits, such as being shy or prone to worry, may make someone more susceptible to anxiety.
Environmental Factors: Traumatic experiences, stressful life events, and childhood adversity can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or heart disease, can cause anxiety-like symptoms.
Substance Use: The use or withdrawal from certain substances, like drugs or alcohol, can trigger or worsen anxiety.

It’s crucial to remember that having some of these symptoms or risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder. However, if you’re experiencing significant distress or if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it’s essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional can properly assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for you.

Daily Practices for Managing Anxiety

It can be challenging to manage anxiety-related worries. Some worries may feel uncontrollable or centered on situations beyond your control. You might also feel the need to worry as a way to cope, or fear that stopping could lead to negative consequences.

Here are some ways to start addressing these concerns. For instance, you can:

Journal: Writing down your worries can help you understand them better and free up mental space.
Schedule “worry time”: Designate a specific time each day to address your worries. When a worry arises outside this time, postpone thinking about it until your scheduled “worry time.”
Talk it out: Discuss your concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.

Prioritize physical health: Get sufficient sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly if possible.
Practice breathing exercises: Deep breathing can calm you down, give you a sense of control, and alleviate physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension.

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Important Reminder

Seeking help is an indication of strength not weakness. Immediate action can save lives; so put safety first and seek help when necessary.