What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come. It may arise whether the upcoming circumstance is clearly identifiable and known or uncertain; real or perceived. It is our body's natural response to stress or potential threats. When we are anxious, our state of awareness is heightened with the goal of keeping us out of harm's way. Everybody experiences anxiety from time to time and this is not only normal, but necessary for survival. For example, if you've ever been walking alone in an unfamiliar area late at night, you'll want to be very aware of what is happening around you so that if anything threatening does happen, you'll be ready to respond quickly to defend yourself.
In today's society, however, we have learned to be afraid even when no physical threat is present. For example, many people have fear of not getting a promotion, of social situations, or of losing a relationship. In this sense, even though there is no physical threat to our personal/physical safety we can still be afraid of a threat to our sense of self (how we know our self to be in the world). This means that some people will experience anxiety much more frequently and intensely than others. So anxiety, then, can range from a natural response to an event to a chronic and even debilitating condition.
SYMPTOMS
Nervousness
Increased heart rate
Racing thoughts
Breathing becomes shallow or rapid
Mental obsession
Lack of focus
Inability to concentrate
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Persistent negative thoughts about self or others
Digestive issues
Disturbing memories or flashbacks
Nightmares
According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada, “the 12 month prevalence for any anxiety disorder is over 12% and one in four Canadians (25%) will have at least one anxiety disorder in their lifetime”. If you are expeirencing the above symptoms, connect with us to find support.
When does anxiety become a disorder?
Anxiety can become an anxiety disorder when the person with anxiety experiences excessive anxiety, fear or worry in a way that is disruptive to life. When anxiety causes a person to either to avoid situations that might cause symptoms in a way that interferes with their relationships, school and work performance, social activities and recreation they may have an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety disorders
Panic disorder: sudden unexpected rush of uncomfortable feelings such as rapid heart rate, dizziness and panic/fear. Avoiding or hesitating to approach situations that you think will lead to symptoms.
Agoraphobia (without panic): avoiding certain situations or places, for example, crowds, lines, leaving the home alone, public transportation
Social anxiety disorder (SAD): fear of embarrassment or of judgment by others
Specific phobia: specific phobias are the most prevalent anxiety disorders.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): inability to control, the compulsion to continue thoughts and rituals, even upon recognition that they are unrealistic or harmful (example, excessive washing of hands, checking to make sure doors are locked, hoarding)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a response to severe trauma. The onset of symptoms maybe delayed by months or even years.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): excessive, uncontrollable worry accompanied by muscle tension, fatigue, insomnia, impaired concentration and irritability. GAD can be characterised by the WHAT IF mnemonic:
Worry
Hard-to-control headache
Anxiety
Tension
Insomnia/irritability/intestinal issues
Fatigue