Anxiety can be defined as the response of an individual to a threat, real or imagined. It is a process, to some extent, that is present in all living things. Anxiety isn’t always bad, it can assist us to cope with tense situations, and can motivate us to work harder or stay focused when working towards a goal. However, chronic anxiety that is excessive, irrational and debilitating can interfere with our overall quality of life. Chronic anxiety is fueled by the fear of what might be. When anxiety interferes with our ability to function in daily life, work, school, and in our relationships, it becomes chronic. While some amount of anxiety is part of being alive, if worries and fears are preventing you from living your life, it would be helpful to seek out a mental health professional that specializes in anxiety disorders.
Even though each individual suffering from chronic anxiety may have unique symptoms, there is a common thought process involved: irrational fear and dread. Some other common anxiety symptoms are listed below.
Feelings of panic, fear, and nervousness
Uncontrollable, obsessive thinking
Repeated thoughts or “flashbacks” of traumatic events
Irrational ritualistic behaviors
Excessive sweating or numbness in the hands or feet
Shortness of breath, hyperventilation
Chest pain or Heart Palpitations
An inability to be still and calm
Dry mouth, Nausea, Dizziness
Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
Being easily fatigued
Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
Being irritable
Having muscle tension
Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep
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