What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal part of the human emotional experience. It involves feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy, either in anticipation of a specific event or in response to general uncertainty. Under normal circumstances, anxiety serves an important function by directing our attention to future situations that may require planning or preparation. However, for some people, anxiety can become excessive or chronic. In such situations, anxiety can interfere with normal daily functioning and reduce the quality of life. But how can we distinguish between normal and problematic anxiety? This article can help you assess whether you suffer from excessive or chronic anxiety. If you think this might be the case, is our team of experienced psychologists here to help. You can book an appointment today using the button below.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

The symptoms of anxiety are psychological, behavioral and physical. We most often associate anxiety with a persistent emotional experience. This may include feelings of restlessness, irritability, tension or excessive worry. Anxiety also has a cognitive component where people find it difficult to concentrate, experience racing thoughts or overthink situations. On the behavioral side, people with high anxiety tend to avoid situations that may provoke more anxiety. They may also find themselves often postponing work or social events. In some cases, anxiety can cause people to feel more insecure and spend more time seeking validation from others. People living with anxiety often experience physical symptoms in addition to psychological symptoms. These may include increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, muscle tension or fatigue. All these symptoms can challenge daily activities and increase stress levels.

What causes anxiety?

The causes of anxiety can also be categorized into three groups: psychological, biological and environmental. Psychological factors that influence anxiety include trauma, stress or personality traits. The experience of traumatic events can have a number of effects on our psychology, including PTSD. People who have experienced trauma often feel less safe. This can lead to increased anxiety due to attempts to identify and avoid threatening situations. As is the case with PTSD, certain personality traits are more prone to developing problematic anxiety than others. For example, people with a high degree of perfectionism are more likely to experience persistent tension and worry when faced with daily challenges.

Biological factors involved in the development of problematic anxiety include genetics, brain chemistry, and medical conditions. Research shows that people with close relatives who suffer from an anxiety disorder have a greater risk of struggling with anxiety themselves. Other studies have also found specific genetic variants that are associated with an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Specific neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are also involved in problematic anxiety. People with imbalances in these chemicals may be more prone to experience persistent anxiety. Finally, a wide range of medical conditions are associated with anxiety. In some cases, anxiety is a direct symptom of the condition, in other cases it occurs as a secondary effect of the uncertainty that the condition creates. Examples of such conditions include cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and endocrine or neurological disorders.

Who is affected by anxiety?

Everyone can experience anxiety, regardless of age, gender or background. Anxiety is common in both children and adults, and tends to affect women more often than men.

Treatment of anxiety

There are a number of approaches to treating anxiety. Psychological therapies seam cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy and talk therapy can all help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Exposure therapy has a well-documented effect and is currently considered the gold standard for the treatment of anxiety. Many of our therapists are trained in exposure therapy and are here to help you if you struggle with anxiety.

Another approach to treating anxiety involves the use of medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or beta blockers. These medications are often used in combination with therapy, as they can make it easier to talk about anxiety-provoking topics.

In recent years, more holistic approaches to treating anxiety have become popular. These approaches emphasize the importance of regular exercise, healthy diet and adequate sleep in managing anxiety. Stress management techniques including meditation and yoga are now also considered valuable tools for creating inner peace. Finally, many people find that joining support groups can help reduce anxiety. Realizing that you are not alone in your difficulties can be a powerful anxiety reliever.

What is the prognosis for those with anxiety?

The prognosis for those with anxiety varies widely depending on how severe the anxiety is and how it manifests. Many people who experience anxiety benefit from treatment and learn to either overcome or manage their symptoms. As with other mental health issues, early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan are key components of successful treatment.

What other disorders are common with anxiety?

Anxiety is common with other mental disorders. It can occur as a direct symptom of another condition, or as a secondary response to the challenges of managing a mental health condition. Examples of conditions associated with anxiety include depression, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders.

How to recognize anxiety symptoms in yourself or others

The most common symptom of anxiety is noticeable excessive worry or fear. Physical signs may include excessive sweating, trembling, or a fast heartbeat. Many people with anxiety will find themselves avoiding some situations that they know will increase their symptoms. If the anxiety is new, it is often associated with behavioral changes such as withdrawal from social activities or increased irritability. It may also be more difficult to concentrate than before, or include persistent overthinking. Finally, recurring physical symptoms such as headaches or abdominal pain without a clear medical cause may also indicate the presence of anxiety. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, we can help. Click the link below to book an appointment today.