What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and it is your body's natural response to that stress. Anxiety is an uneasy feeling or worry that is typically about an upcoming event or something with an uncertain outcome. For example you may have anxiety on the first day of school, introducing yourself to new people and potential friends, going for a job interview, writing a test, or giving a presentation (plus many more). It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is to come.
Anxiety can be beneficial to us as it can alert us to dangers so that we pay more attention and prepare ourselves for what is about to come.
For example, you're walking your dog and a black bear comes out in front of you. Your anxiety level is going to rise quickly. It helps alert us about the potential danger OR maybe you're going for your first job interview, you start to feel uneasy and it causes you to go over interview questions that may be asked. The anxiety in turn helps us to better prepare for the interview.
However, anxiety becomes problematic when it affects how we function in life. For example, when you are so anxious about being with people, you stop yourself from going into the gym, or avoid coming to school or various groups of people. This could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders involve more than a temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety usually does not go away and can get worse over time. BUT . . . . there are many things that you can do that can help you live a good life with an anxiety disorder. There are many tools that can help you.
Anxiety can be beneficial to us as it can alert us to dangers so that we pay more attention and prepare ourselves for what is about to come.
For example, you're walking your dog and a black bear comes out in front of you. Your anxiety level is going to rise quickly. It helps alert us about the potential danger OR maybe you're going for your first job interview, you start to feel uneasy and it causes you to go over interview questions that may be asked. The anxiety in turn helps us to better prepare for the interview.
However, anxiety becomes problematic when it affects how we function in life. For example, when you are so anxious about being with people, you stop yourself from going into the gym, or avoid coming to school or various groups of people. This could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders involve more than a temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety usually does not go away and can get worse over time. BUT . . . . there are many things that you can do that can help you live a good life with an anxiety disorder. There are many tools that can help you.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
- feeling nervous, tense
- restlessness
- having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- rapid breathing
- hyperventilating
- sweating (sweaty palms, armpits)
- trembling
- feeling weak or tired
- trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- having trouble sleeping
- experiencing an upset stomach
- needing to use the washroom frequently
- headache (stress headache)
- trouble sleeping
- pacing back and forth
- avoiding activities that trigger anxiety
- flushed or blushing face
- nauseated feeling
Normal Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorder
What are some Anxiety Disorders?
Here are some personal accounts of the following anxiety disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, and Phobia
Use the following link:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, and Phobia
Use the following link: