Anxiety

Anxiety is something that affects millions of people around the world every day. It’s natural to feel anxious sometimes. Whether you're starting a new job, preparing for an exam, or facing a challenging situation.

But when anxiety becomes persistent and overwhelming, it can create emotional, mental, and physical symptoms that can interfere with daily life.

In this article, we’ll explore what anxiety is, what it looks like, and what steps you can take to manage it effectively.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and it can be helpful in some situations. It’s your body’s way of alerting you to potential danger or challenges. However, when anxiety becomes chronic (onling) or disproportionate to the situation, it can be classified as an anxiety disorder.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by chronic, excessive worry about various aspects of life such as work, health, or social interactions.
Panic Disorder: Involves sudden and intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks, which can include physical symptoms like shortness of breath and a racing heart.
Social Anxiety: A deep fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, or spiders.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can affect both the mind and body, making it difficult to function normally.

Some of the most common anxiety symptoms are:

Excessive worry: Constantly feeling on edge or fearing the worst, even when there's no obvious cause.
Restlessness: A feeling of being unable to relax or sit still, often accompanied by nervous energy.
Fatigue: Anxiety can be physically draining, leading to feelings of tiredness or exhaustion.
Difficulty concentrating: It can be challenging to focus or make decisions when anxiety takes over.
Sleep disturbances: Anxiety often leads to trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless, unsatisfying sleep.
Physical symptoms: These include headaches, muscle tension, stomach aches, rapid heart rate, and even shortness of breath.

If these symptoms are persistent and impacting your quality of life, it may be a sign that the anxiety you are feeling is more than just a temporary reaction to a stressful situation.

What Causes Anxiety?

There isn’t one single cause of anxiety. It is usually caused by a combination of factors. You may develop anxiety after a stressful life event, some people may be more likely to suffer anxiety due to genetics conditions.

Other possible causes include:

Chronic stress: Prolonged exposure to stressful situations can lead to anxiety over time.
Trauma: Past traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.
Medical conditions: Certain health problems, such as heart disease or thyroid issues, can cause or worsen anxiety.
Substance abuse: The use of drugs or alcohol, as well as withdrawal from these substances, can trigger anxiety symptoms.
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine may play a role in anxiety disorders.

How to Manage Anxiety

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there are effective strategies and treatments that can help.

Here are some practical steps to take:

Mindfulness and relaxation: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and can help lower anxiety levels by boosting endorphins.
Get enough sleep: A regular sleep schedule can improve your overall mood and reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms.
Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet can support both your physical and mental health. Try to limit caffeine and sugar, as these can increase feelings of anxiety.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking: Both alcohol and nicotine can increase anxiety levels and contribute to anxiety disorders over time.

Talk to a psychologist

If your anxiety is impacting your daily life, a qualified psychologist can help you to understand what is causing it. In some cases, anxiety may be treated with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist, as part of a broader treatment plan. Your psychologist can help you to identify if you need to take this step.

We can help

Everyone experiences some level of anxiety. However, if you are experiencing ongoing anxiety that is impacting your daily life, it is time to consider seeking help from a psychologist. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help you regain control and manage anxiety in a healthy, sustainable way. No matter how overwhelming it feels right now, there are effective treatments available to help you feel better.

If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, our qualified psychologists can help you understand how you are feeling and help you to lead a more positive life.