What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the mind and body’s reaction to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. It’s the sense of uneasiness, distress, or discomfort you feel before a significant event. A certain level of Anxiety helps us stay alert and aware and prepares us for a response, but for those suffering from an anxiety disorder, it feels far from normal – it can be completely debilitating. Its very common to experience mild forms of anxiety from time to time in situations like before an exam, a job interview etc. But when your anxiety hampers your performance, it needs medical attention.

Anxious thoughts may be like you having fear of lose a near and dear one, fear of having a major illness, fear of not being able to reach on time etc. We label it as an anxiety disorder when the feelings of worry, anxiety or fear are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Anxiety makes it harder to try new things, to take risks in your work or personal life, or sometimes to even leave your house. Many people with anxiety feel caged in. They see things they want to do in life but their anxiety keeps them from trying. This can lead to loss of confidence, decline in performance and unfulfilled potential.

Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common type of anxiety. It is characterized by an excessive, persistent, and unreasonable sense of fear and worry that interferes with a person’s life. These emotions are usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or muscle tension. Symptoms will range from mild to severe.

Panic disorder differs from this normal fear and anxiety because it is often extreme, and may seem to strike out of the blue. A person with panic disorder may experience symptoms such as severe feelings of terror, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate. People with panic disorder may experience these attacks unexpectedly and for no apparent reason, but they can also be preceded by some sort of triggering event or situation.

Social anxiety disorder is another type of complex phobia which occurs when a person feels significant anxiety about being humiliated, rejected, or embarrassed in a social setting. The person constantly feels that they might be judged.