Anxiety

It becomes a problem when anxiety is present in excess 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

• fear-like tension, nervousness, a gripping feeling

• sleep disturbances, memory problems, decline in everyday functioning

• thoughts related to danger or feeling threatened

Anxiety is a reaction to perceived or real danger. What is important is that it is not the situations themselves, but how we evaluate them that triggers anxiety u2014 so, what we think in a given situation. Based on this, anxiety without a cause does not actually exist. For example, if someone suffers from social anxiety, they might believe that if they speak up in a group, they will be embarrassed and others will think they are silly. Meanwhile, another person who does not feel anxious feels nothing frustrating in the same situation, and it doesn't even cross their mind that something bad will happen to them. So, the situation is the same, but the opinion about it is completely different, and therefore the reaction is too.

Certain genes can make us more prone to sensitive emotional reactions in stressful situations, meaning that there are biological processes behind this complex emotional reaction, and the tendency can be genetically determined. On top of this, environmental factors count for a lot in the development of anxiety u2014 for example, parenting style during childhood, peer relationships, traumas, and crisis situations. 

Anxiety can accompany various states of mind. Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lead to sleep disturbances, depression, panic attacks, social withdrawal, and often results in workplace problems and relationship difficulties. We speak of anxiety disorders in the case of mental health issues where anxiety is the most prominent symptom u2014 phobias (e.g., social phobia, specific phobias), panic disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder. So, it is definitely worth seeking help from a psychologist, or in severe cases, a psychiatrist, as anxiety can be treated in many ways. A variety of stress management techniques, autogenic training, relaxation methods, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a range of mindfulness practices are all here to help improve your quality of life. 

In addition to psychological tools, medical treatment can also be used to achieve mental stability, as you have read that biological processes can play a role in the appearance of anxiety. If your psychologist feels it would be helpful for you to visit a psychiatrist, please keep an open mind about their suggestion, even if your first instinct is to turn away from the idea of taking medication. 

If you notice the signs of anxiety in yourself, please reach out for professional help before things get worse. Take care of yourself u2014 you are important.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my chest or stomach hurt when I am nervous?

Anxiety can trigger direct physical responses, so muscle tension or shortness of breath can cause real physical pain for you.

Why am I so afraid of other people's opinions when I'm in a group?

Because of your anxiety, you tend to view situations negatively and believe that others are judging you, even when that is not the case.

Can you inherit anxiety from your parents?

Yes, alongside genetic predisposition, the parenting patterns you saw during childhood also greatly shape how sensitive you are to stress.

What happens if I just ignore my anxiety?

Consistently suppressing your tension can eventually lead to sleep issues, exhaustion, or even more serious heart problems down the road.