Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It’s part of being human. 

When our stress response is activated, it triggers the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones. 

The result: You sweat, your heart races, and you think faster to help your body deal with the threat at hand. This is a perfectly normal response that helps us stay alert and respond quickly in dangerous situations. 

However, when this reaction happens too frequently or intensely, it can lead to an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America today. 

They range from fairly mild (such as general anxiety) to extremely debilitating (such as panic disorder). 

Fortunately, there are many ways to manage anxiety if you suffer from it...

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, unease, or apprehension that many people experience. 

Anxiety can be both positive and negative. 

Positive anxiety can energize and help you succeed. Negative anxiety can be overwhelming and interfere with daily life. 

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Most people experience anxiety in their lives. 

For example, you might feel anxious about an important exam, a first date, or a job interview. This type of anxiety is normal and usually goes away after a few hours or days. 

People with an anxiety disorder, however, experience persistent and excessive worry that interferes with their daily lives. They may worry about an array of things, such as health, money, family, work, or relationships.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Muscle tension or aches - You may experience a general feeling of tension or aches in your muscles and joints. You might also notice that your muscles are overly tense and hard to relax, or that you clench your jaw or fists often.

Insomnia and restlessness - If you have anxiety, you may have trouble falling or staying asleep and experience frequent wakeups or nightmares. You might also wake up feeling tired even after getting enough sleep.

Sweating - You might notice that you sweat more often and more profusely than usual, especially when you’re in situations that make you anxious.

Racing heart - You might feel your heart pounding or beating faster than usual, or you might notice an uncomfortable sensation in your chest.

Shortness of breath - If you have anxiety, you might notice that you feel short of breath more often and with less exertion than usual.

Nausea and stomach discomfort - You might feel general nausea or stomach discomfort and notice that you have a hard time eating or drinking.

Dry mouth - You might feel like your mouth is dry or you have a metallic taste in your mouth.

Intrusive thoughts - When you have anxiety, you might notice that you have sudden and repetitive thoughts or images that are intrusive and difficult to control.

Sweaty palms - You might notice that you sweat more often in your hands and have a sticky or sweaty feeling.

Racing thoughts - When you have anxiety, you might notice that you have thoughts racing through your mind.

Why Does Anxiety Happen?

Anxiety is not all that different from the “fight or flight” response that has been a part of all living things since the beginning of time. When you are in danger, or even perceive that you are, the body gears up to either fight or flee. 

In primitive times, this response was essential for survival. If a sabre-toothed tiger was chasing you, you needed to either fight for your life or run for the hills. 

But today, we rarely have to fight tigers or flee from other predators.

But our bodies don’t know that, which is why we might experience anxiety from time to time. 

Unfortunately, for some people, anxiety is a regular and ongoing response. It is a real condition that can be treated and prevented. The biggest cause of anxiety is often the person’s reaction to it.

How to Manage Your Anxiety

Know Your Triggers - Anxiety often comes when we’re in unfamiliar surroundings or experiencing a stressful situation. Knowing when your anxiety hits and what triggers it can help you avoid it in the future.

Put Things Into Perspective - When you feel anxious, it’s important to take a step back and put things in perspective. Anxiety can make you feel like your problems are magnified and your life is falling apart. But when you’re able to look at things rationally, you’ll realize that many of your worries are likely overblown.

Use Coping Techniques - Coping techniques are ways to handle or respond to anxiety. They can include things like taking deep breaths, exercising, or meditating. You can also talk to a therapist or join a self-help group to get additional support.

Don’t Let Anxiety Become a Self-fulfilling Prophecy - If you let anxiety control you, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, work to control your anxiety.

TIPS

  • Read More 
  • Get Help 
  • Join a Support Group 
  • Learn How to Breathe 
  • Be Kind to Yourself 
  • Practice Self-Care 
  • Seek Professional Help 
  • Get Outside Help 
  • Join a Support Group
  • Learn How to Breathe 
  • Be Kind to Yourself 
  • Practice Self-Care 
  • Seek Professional Help 
  • Get Outside Help

Conclusion

Anxiety is a real condition that can be managed and treated. If you deal with anxiety, you are not alone. Know that there are many ways to manage your anxiety, and you can lead a happy, healthy life. Take advantage of the resources that are out there, and know that you are stronger than your anxiety.