What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is feeling whenever we become worried or afraid, usually about things that are happening or plans in the future such as parties or meeting someone, public speaking etc. Anxiety is a response of our body when we perceive something to be a threat. Anxiety is a natural human response when we perceive that we are under threat. Most people deal with anxiety
in day to day life.
Anxiety comes from our evolution, it is in a small part of our brain called the amygdala which plays an important in feeling fear and emotions. It stems from the 'fight or flight' response. We have this response to protect ourselves from any harm by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which in turn makes us more alert, raises our heartbeat which then sends blood to where it's needed the most. After a while when the threat is gone our body then releases more hormones to help our muscles relax again however this can cause shakiness in our hands/legs. We have no control over this process but this response can be relaxed by deep breathing.
The most common symptoms of anxiety include:
When does my anxiety become a mental illness?
Your anxiety may become a problem if:
in day to day life.
Anxiety comes from our evolution, it is in a small part of our brain called the amygdala which plays an important in feeling fear and emotions. It stems from the 'fight or flight' response. We have this response to protect ourselves from any harm by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which in turn makes us more alert, raises our heartbeat which then sends blood to where it's needed the most. After a while when the threat is gone our body then releases more hormones to help our muscles relax again however this can cause shakiness in our hands/legs. We have no control over this process but this response can be relaxed by deep breathing.
The most common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling nervous or tense
- Having an increased heart rate
- A sense of danger or panic
- Feeling weak or dizzy
- Sweating or trembling
- Rapid breathing
- Butterflies in your stomach
When does my anxiety become a mental illness?
Your anxiety may become a problem if:
- Your feelings of anxiety last a long time
- Avoiding situations that may cause anxiety - e.g refusing to meet others or go to a party
- The anxiety your feeling is out of proportion to the situation
- The anxiety your feeling is very distressing and difficult to control
- Regular experiences of anxiety symptoms such as panic attacks
Below is a short clip about anxiety and what it feels like.
Credit: Meghan Rienks