Anxiety

In stressful situations such as public speaking or taking a test, anxiety can be a normal, sometimes healthy, response. However, when feelings become intense, persistent, excessive and disrupt your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition that makes you respond to certain situations with fear or dread. An anxiety disorder occurs when it interferes with your ability to function, or you overreact when something triggers your emotions and you have a hard time controlling your responses to these situations.

Anxiety symptoms can appear as:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Breathing rapidly
  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense
  • Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Trouble concentrating or having trouble thinking about the present moment
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Having trouble sleeping

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

  • Agoraphobia - an anxiety disorder that makes you fear or avoid places or situations that cause you panic or make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.
  • Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition - symptoms of intense anxiety that have a direct connection with a physical health problem.
  • Generalized anxiety disorder - persistent anxiety and worry about activities, events or ordinary, routine issues.
  • Panic disorder - repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes. (panic attacks)
  • Social anxiety disorder - high levels of anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations due to feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness and concern about being judged or viewed negatively by others.
  • Specific phobias - major anxiety when exposed to a certain object or situation.

You should consider speaking to a professional if:

  • You feel like you worry too much and it interferes with your daily life, relationships or work.
  • You find it difficult to control your anxiety or worrying, and it upsets you.
  • You think that your anxiety might be as a result of another physical health problem.
  • You have suicidal thoughts or behaviour - in this case, seek emergency treatment immediately.