Anxiety

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WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Anxiety affects our whole being. It affects how we feel, how we behave and has very real physical symptoms.

It feels a bit like fear but whereas we know what we are frightened of, we often don't know what we are anxious about.

Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling - severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating. (See our other article "What is Anxiety? Symptoms and Causes").

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is often triggered by stress in our lives. Some of us are more vulnerable to anxiety than others, but even those who become anxious easily can learn to manage it well. We can also make ourselves anxious with "negative self-talk" - a habit of always telling ourselves the worst will happen.

How will I recognize anxiety?

Other interesting articles:

What is psychology? What are the branches of psychology?

What is psychotherapy? What are the benefits of psychotherapy?

What is ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder)

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? What causes PTSD?

What is anorexia? What is bulimia?

What is anxiety? Anxiety symptoms and causes.

What is bipolar disorder?

What is depression? What causes depression?

What is hypochondria?

What is mental health? What is mental disorder?

As well as feeling apprehensive and worried (possibly without knowing why), you may experience some of the following physical symptoms:

• Tense muscles
• Trembling
• Churning stomach
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Backache
• Heart palpitations
• Numbness or "pins and needles" in arms, hands or legs
• Sweating/flushing

When is anxiety a problem?

We all become anxious from time to time. It becomes a problem when it interferes with life in the absence of real threat, or goes on too long after the danger has past.

Disclaimer: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.