What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of being uneasy, nervous, worried or afraid about something. It usually occurs when we think could happen in the future or when we approach a stressful event such as a party or a job interview.
Many people describe the feeling of Anxiety as having "butterflies in your stomach" or a strong sense of fear.
Sometimes Anxiety can be unnecessary and difficult to control or manage, this may make it hard to enjoy life and have new experiences. That is when it becomes a problem.
In 2013, there were 8.2 million cases of anxiety in the UK. This statistic may be shocking but you are not alone in this struggle.
Many people describe the feeling of Anxiety as having "butterflies in your stomach" or a strong sense of fear.
Sometimes Anxiety can be unnecessary and difficult to control or manage, this may make it hard to enjoy life and have new experiences. That is when it becomes a problem.
In 2013, there were 8.2 million cases of anxiety in the UK. This statistic may be shocking but you are not alone in this struggle.
Is Anxiety natural?
Yes, anxiety is our body's natural response to many things. Anxiety comes from different parts of the brain such as our Amygdala which is a part of the limbic system in our brain that produces emotion such as fear and regulating emotions.
Humans have used anxiety as a way to protect themselves as it often detected danger and other emotions used to survive when hunting & gathering.
Humans have used anxiety as a way to protect themselves as it often detected danger and other emotions used to survive when hunting & gathering.
When does Anxiety become a problem?
Anxiety is natural yet it can become a real problem in many people. We can tell this becomes an issue when it starts to affect your everyday life preventing you from doing tasks such as socialising, attending school, work or even leaving the house.
If you feel like Anxiety is becoming a problem it's important to ask yourself:
See here for more information about panic attacks
If you feel like Anxiety is becoming a problem it's important to ask yourself:
- Does it last a long period of time?
- Are your worries out of proportion and seem unrealistic to the situation?
- Does your anxiety feel hard to control or manage?
- Do you often have symptoms of anxiety such as panic attacks or breathlessness?
- Do you tend to avoid certain situations because of Anxiety?
- Do you still enjoy life like before?
See here for more information about panic attacks
"I no longer leave the house because something bad might happen"
Short Film about Anxiety
Credit: This short film about anxiety was made by Meghan Rienks
What are the symptoms?
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
Who do I talk to about feeling this way?
If you feel like your anxiety and emotions are becoming a problem then it's important to seek help.
Speak to someone you trust or see your GP for professional support who can then signpost you to various services that are there to help you deal with anxiety.
Speak to someone you trust or see your GP for professional support who can then signpost you to various services that are there to help you deal with anxiety.
What treatments are available?
There are many treatments to help you manage your anxiety such as:
- Talking therapies such as CBT or APT (Applied Relaxation Therapy)
- Medication such as Antidepressants
- Self-help - learning grounding techniques and deep breathing exercises
- Change in your lifestyle - Changing diet, reducing caffeine and having better sleep
Credits
Mind Charity - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/about-anxiety/
Anxiety statistic - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-anxiety
Video by Meghan Rienks - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERTKUMXl6x8G79BmG6KtpQ
Image by Wokandapix - https://pixabay.com/photos/anxiety-fear-stress-emotion-wooden-2019928/
Anxiety statistic - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-anxiety
Video by Meghan Rienks - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERTKUMXl6x8G79BmG6KtpQ
Image by Wokandapix - https://pixabay.com/photos/anxiety-fear-stress-emotion-wooden-2019928/