Anxiety

Anxiety is a universal human emotion that occurs as a response to everyday life. In fact, everyone experiences mild anxiety at one time or another.

On the positive side, anxiety can motivate you to make changes or get things done. Severe anxiety, on the other hand, may be immobilizing. You may feel powerless to change what's happening to you.


Understanding fear and anxiety
Although fear and anxiety are similar emotions, there are several distinct differences.
When you're afraid, the fear is usually directed toward a concrete, external object or situation -- and it's usually within a reasonable range. Typical fears include missing a deadline, failing an exam or being rejected by someone you want to please.

Anxiety centers around internal feelings about something external. Sometimes feelings of anxiety can become more serious and limit the routine activities in your life.


Types of anxiety
Immediate or short-term anxiety is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response. This natural response is intended to protect you from danger by causing physical, psychological and behavioral responses. For example, when faced with certain situations, you may begin to sweat, experience heart palpitations, become nervous or fear that something is wrong. You may find yourself pacing or tapping your foot.
When anxiety begins to interfere with your daily routine, it's time to get help. Anxiety disorders take shape in various distinct forms. For example:

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by exaggerated worry and tension over everyday events and decisions.

Agoraphobia is the overwhelming fear of being in a situation or place where escape may be difficult or help may be unavailable.

Specific phobia is the fear of a particular object or situation. Often, the exposure to the feared object is irrational or unlikely.

Social phobia is a persistent, intense and chronic fear or excessive self-consciousness in a social or performance situation. Social phobia is also known as social anxiety disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessions, compulsions or both. The obsessions provoke anxiety, and the compulsive behaviors are temporary but ineffective attempts to reduce the anxiety.

Post-traumatic stress disorder causes debilitating symptoms that can last longer than one month. The symptoms may occur soon after experiencing, witnessing or learning about a traumatic event. In some cases, symptoms occur months later.

Acute stress disorder is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, but the symptoms occur within the first month after the traumatic event and don't last as long.

Substance-induced anxiety disorder is caused by taking a substance such as prescription medication or an illegal drug, withdrawal from the substance, or the prospect of being without the substance.
Sometimes anxiety is related to a particular medical condition.


Anxiety and children
In children, anxiety is often related to concerns about performance or competence. Kids who struggle with anxiety tend to worry about future events, completing schoolwork or the quality of their schoolwork. Self-consciousness and various physical complaints are common.
An estimated 50 percent of adults who have anxiety disorder report that the anxiety began in childhood or adolescence.


Symptoms
Physically, anxiety may cause muscle tension, fatigue, sweating and shortness of breath. Nausea may occur, as well as appetite loss and sleep disturbances. Some people feel faint.
Psychologically, you may become self-conscious and have difficulty concentrating. You may be plagued by perfectionism and self-doubt, as well as obsessive thoughts or images. You may lose your objectivity and perspective. Many people fear losing control or not being able to cope when faced with a crisis, as well as physical injury or even death.

Socially, you may be irritable or have angry outbursts. You may notice negative changes in your social and intimate relationships, as well as your ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

Sometimes anxiety may be more than you can handle. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances, decreased energy, changes in appetite, depression, hopelessness and inability to concentrate may warrant further evaluation.

As with all physical symptoms, consult your doctor to rule out a medical condition. If these or any other symptoms cause distress that doesn't improve, seek additional help and support from a mental health professional.


Coping strategies
Although anxiety is a common experience, it's important to be aware of the impact it can have on your health and well-being. Learning to manage your anxiety can help you lead a more productive and fulfilling life.
Start by consulting your doctor for a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment to identify or rule out any underlying conditions.

To ease your anxiety, consider these techniques:

relaxation
meditation
visualization
deep breathing
light aerobic exercise
biofeedback (a technique that trains you to voluntarily control bodily functions, such as blood pressure, muscle tension or heart rate)
In some cases, exposure therapy may be recommended. With this treatment, you'll work through your anxiety through graduated exposure to your triggers. In other cases, medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants may be prescribed.