Stress and Anxiety
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a common condition affecting up to 5% of the UK population. While it can feel different for everyone, the symptoms tend to be similar. Some common signs include restlessness, headaches, constant worry, muscle tension, and irregular heartbeat. Additionally, many people experience difficulty sleeping or feeling uneasy in social situations. These symptoms can affect various aspects of life.
What Do We Worry About?
People often worry about different things. For instance, financial concerns like debt or a low income can trigger anxiety. Relationships, such as a challenging partner or loss of a loved one, can also contribute. Many individuals worry about their health, fearing illness or not being healthy enough. Similarly, job-related stress, such as an overbearing boss or job insecurity, can lead to anxiety.
What Causes Anxiety
Anxiety doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, it results from several factors. Genetics and brain biochemistry play a significant role. An overactive response to stress and personality traits, like low self-esteem, may also contribute. Furthermore, poor coping skills can make anxiety worse. Certain medications may cause side effects that trigger anxiety as well.
The Role of Life Experiences
Life experiences are another crucial factor in the development of anxiety. For example, growing up in an unstable environment can shape how we respond to stress. If you were raised by a parent who worried excessively, it might affect your mental health later in life. In some cases, traumatic events, such as bullying or the loss of a parent, can also trigger anxiety.
What happens to you when you are feeling anxious?
The Amygdala and the Brain's Response
The brain has a natural way of responding to danger. The reptilian brain, or limbic system, is responsible for emotional processing. The amygdala, a key part of this system, detects threats and prepares the body to react. When it signals danger, the body reacts physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Three Common Responses
There are three primary responses to danger: flight, fight, and freeze.
Flight Response: The first instinct is to escape. Your heartbeat increases, and your body gets ready to run. Muscles tense, and your mind stays hyper-alert. You may become irritable and distracted by anything unrelated to the threat.
Fight Response: In some situations, you might feel compelled to face the danger head-on. This response triggers adrenaline, causing rapid heartbeats and tense muscles. Intense emotions arise, making you more focused on the threat.
- Freeze Response: Sometimes, escape or confrontation isn’t possible. In these situations, you may freeze. Your mind may go blank, and your body may feel paralyzed. This response is often associated with feelings of powerlessness.
But what is anxiety?
Anxiety: A Natural Survival Response
Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress. It prepares the body for potential danger, making it an essential part of survival. In moderate amounts, anxiety can help us perform better in certain situations. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it becomes disruptive to daily life.
Worry vs. Anxiety
While worry is a normal response to uncertainty, anxiety takes it a step further. Anxiety is often excessive, intrusive, and persistent. It can lead to restlessness, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. You may also experience irritability or trouble sleeping. Over time, anxiety can prevent you from enjoying leisure activities or trying new things.
The Impact of Anxiety on Daily Life
Anxiety can significantly disrupt your life. Overthinking, fear, and stress can even trigger panic attacks. You may start avoiding social events, feeling overwhelmed by the thought of meeting people. Additionally, sleep disturbances and constant worry become common.
Many people find themselves on high alert all the time, as if their fight-or-flight response is constantly activated. This ongoing sense of panic can be exhausting. It wears down the body, both physically and emotionally.
Types of anxiety and what to do next
There are many different types of anxiety, including:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Things that can help you manage your anxiety:
Therapy can help you explore how your thoughts influence your actions. This increased self-awareness is valuable in moments of panic.
Counselling will also help you identify what triggers your anxiety. This awareness may help you deal with it more effectively.
Working things through will help you identify what triggers your anxiety. Increased awareness can help you manage it more effectively when anxious.
Also, therapy will help you understand what causes your anxiety. It will also teach you strategies and techniques for healthy coping.
Keeping a diary to monitor daily anxiety levels will help you understand what triggers your anxiety. Writing it down can make it feel less overwhelming.
Getting enough sleep provides the energy needed to handle difficult situations better. Exercising regularly, even just walking two or three times a week, helps slow your mind and promote relaxation.