Let's Talk About: Anxiety

Photo by Christopher Ott on Unsplash

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body's response to anticipated danger.

It is typically characterised by worry or fear, difficulty concentrating, nausea, shaking, and muscle tenseness.

**

How Does It Affect People?

It's normal to be anxious / worried about events like sitting for an exam, a performance, a performance, a date, etc.

But sometimes it can get out of control and becomes a disorder. 

You find yourself being controlled by the symptoms instead of you being in control.

There are some common anxiety-related symptoms:

• Excessive fear and worry
• Dry mouth
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty sleeping
• Cautious, avoidant behavior
• Panic attacks

You can take a free test to see whether you have low / high levels of anxiety. Check it out HERE or HERE.

Do reach out to a medical health practitioner / mental health professional for support and treatment if you are currently facing high levels of anxiety.

**

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are a few types of anxiety disorders that are more specific. You can check them out below:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Other anxiety disorders

These are anxiety disorders related to a particular event / situation. 

If you notice that you are feeling particularly anxious relating to such events / situations, then you might consider that you might be struggling with these types of anxiety. 

**

When do you know that you should go and seek treatment?

Everyone worries now and then.

However, if your worrying becomes a regular occurrence.

Or it seems to be disproportionate to the situation that you are facing.

And it impairs your daily functioning. 

It could mean that you could be having a problem with anxiety. 

This could also translate to:

• being afraid to go out in public
• not wanting to return phone calls
• avoiding socialising with friends
• cancelling performances
• not wanting to participate in presentations
• not being able to sleep
• etc.

= Anxiety can prevent you from living a full life. 

But.

Anxiety is also treatable.

Many people are able to work through their symptoms, with professional help. 

Do seek help if anxiety is hindering you from doing the things that you love. 

There is hope.

**

References:

1. VeryWellHealth, 2022. https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-symptoms-5086955 

2. VeryWellHealth, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/extreme-anxiety-symptoms-types-treatments-and-coping-5201901