What Is Anxiety?


Just what is anxiety? It is a natural reaction that everyone experiences from time to time. It is a physiological response to a situation or event that is perceived as potentially dangerous. It is a normal and healthy emotion. However for approximately one in every twelve people, this emotional state can be so severe or persistent that it can markedly interfere with their ability to have a normal life.

Problem anxiety is not the same as simply feeling stressed or worried. Recognising that you have an anxiety disorder is not always easy as many of the symptoms are similar to those of a physical illness and many people will often assume that are experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms such as heart palpitations, nausea, headaches, trembling and sweating are all common physical symptoms. A good rule of thumb is that if you are feeling anxious or apprehensive, without understanding why, as well as experiencing any of the above ailments, you may have an anxiety problem.

Most people experiencing anxiety will not seek any treatment and this is a shame as there are many effective treatments available that can help people suffering from this condition. Avoiding the places or situations that make you anxious is only a temporary fix and often makes it harder to overcome in the long run. Also, left untreated, many people find that they tend to avoid more and more places and situations as times goes by.

There are many other things people can do to feel better such as looking after your health by eating better, getting regular exercise and keeping a regular sleep pattern. Also, learning a few relaxation techniques are often found to be helpful. Whether it is simply a deep breathing exercise or a form of meditation, the benefits can be amazing.

However depending on the length or severity of your symptoms you may wish further help. Your GP is the first person you should see about any health problems you have. They can investigate to see whether there are any physical causes for your anxiety or whether you may benefit from seeing either a psychologist or psychiatrist. Anxiety can be a debilitating condition. Now that you know just what it is, if you feel you need help, make that first step to reach out as it is readily available.

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