What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural emotional and physiological response to perceived threats or stress. It involves feelings of worry, fear, or unease about potential future events or uncertain outcomes. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, helping us stay alert and prepared, it can become problematic when it is persistent, excessive, or disproportionate to the situation at hand.
Though anxiety is a natural response, when it becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily life, it may require intervention through therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication.
Key Features of Anxiety
Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of nervousness, tension, dread, or fear about real or imagined threats.
Physical Symptoms: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, dizziness, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., upset stomach or nausea).
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, overthinking, or focusing excessively on worst-case scenarios.
Behavioral Symptoms: Avoidance of situations or activities that trigger anxiety, restlessness, or a sense of being on edge.
Types of Anxiety:
Anxiety becomes a clinical issue when it persists and interferes with daily functioning. Some common anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that involve intense fear and physical symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations due to fear of embarrassment or judgment.
Phobias: Irrational fears of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance.
