Anxiety

A problem arises when anxiety is present to an excessive degree or becomes constant, which can manifest in physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms:

• flushing of the face, dry mouth, sweating, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, diarrhea, urge to urinate, muscle tension

• tension similar to fear, nervousness, distressing feeling

• sleep disorders, memory problems, impaired functioning

• thoughts related to danger/threat

Anxiety is a reaction to perceived or real dangerous situations. What's important is that it's not the situations themselves, but the assessment of these situations that triggers anxiety, meaning what we think in a given situation. Thus, anxiety without cause does not really exist. For example, if someone suffers from social anxiety, they may believe that if they speak in a social setting, they will be embarrassed, others will think they are foolish. While another person, who is not anxious, might feel nothing frustrating in such a situation and wouldn't even consider that anything bad might happen to them. So the situation is the same, but the opinion of the situation is vastly different, and so is the response.

Certain genes may predispose us to more sensitive emotional reactions in stressful situations, so biological processes are at play behind this complex emotional reaction, and the tendency can be genetically determined. Additionally, environmental factors such as the parenting style in childhood, peer relationships, traumas, crisis situations play a significant role in the development of anxiety. 

Anxiety can be a companion phenomenon of various mental states. Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lead to sleep disorders, depression, panic attacks, social withdrawal, and often result in work-related problems and relationship difficulties. We talk about anxiety disorder in mental illnesses where anxiety is the main symptom – phobias (e.g., social phobia, specific phobia), panic disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, it is definitely worth seeking the help of a psychologist, or in severe cases, a psychiatrist, because anxiety can be managed in numerous ways. Various stress management techniques, autogenic training, relaxation methods, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices are available to help improve your quality of life. 

In addition to the tools of psychology, medication may also be used to achieve mental stability, as biological processes can play a role in the manifestation of anxiety. If your psychologist evaluates that it might be useful to consult a psychiatrist, remain open to their suggestion, even if you personally feel reluctant towards the idea of taking medication. 

If you notice signs of anxiety in yourself, definitely seek professional help before your condition worsens. Be important to yourself.