What is Anxiety?
It’s normal to feel anxious. If you have to deal with a problem at work, go to an interview, take a test, or make an important decision, you may feel anxious or nervous. Anxiety also has some advantages. For example, it helps us notice dangerous situations and focus our attention, allowing us to stay safe.
An anxiety disorder, on the other hand, goes beyond the normal nervousness and slight fear you may experience from time to time. An anxiety disorder develops when:
- Anxiety impairs your ability to function.
- When something triggers your emotions, you frequently overreact.
- You have no control over how you react to situations.
Symptoms of Anxiety
While anxiety disorders can have a variety of diagnoses, the following are common symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD):
- agitation and a sense of being “on edge”
- Uncontrollable anxiety increased irritability
- difficulties concentrating
- Sleep issues, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
While these symptoms are common in everyday life, people with GAD will have them regularly or extremely. GAD symptoms can range from vague, unsettling worry to severe anxiety that interferes with daily life.
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are not related to personal flaws, character flaws, or upbringing issues. However, researchers are unsure of what causes anxiety disorders. They believe a combination of factors is at work:
- Chemical imbalance: Prolonged or severe stress can alter the chemical balance that regulates your mood. A lot of stress over a long period can lead to an anxiety disorder.
- Environmental factors: Experiencing a traumatic event may precipitate an anxiety disorder, especially in someone who has a predisposition to developing it.
- Anxiety disorders are passed down through families, and inherited from one or more parents.
Treatments for Anxiety
Treatment and management options for anxiety disorders are:
