Anxiety is a common and often misunderstood experience that impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide. Most of us experience anxiety occasionally but chronic anxiety can significantly affect an individuals quality of life. Gaining an understanding of the nature of anxiety; its causes, psychological and physiological experiences and triggers can help individuals create effective coping strategies and empower them to manage the experience. So, let’s take a closer look at the complex nature of anxiety.
Anxiety can come from a number of sources. It can potentially be genetic – and this is not a reason to be a victim of it, but all the more reason to get clued up – but a family history of anxiety can increase the chances of experiencing it yourself. Environmental factors such as stressful life events, major life changes, consistent high pressure can trigger anxiety. There are also some medical conditions that can cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can present psychologically in a number of ways including;
Persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations or potential future events. These can have a big impact on your mood and your thoughts about everyday events.
Overthinking and trying to prepare for negative possibilities. These can be draining as you can use a lot of energy in preparing for the worst. It also often leaves no space in your mind for considering positive possibilities.
Experiencing intense feelings of fear or dread when there is no immediate threat. Another aspect that can be draining, it takes a lot of energy to stay on high alert.
Intrusive anxious thoughts causing loss of focus or impacting your ability to maintain attention.
Feeling restless and unable to relax or settle down.
Feeling irritable and frustrated, which often stems from heightened nervousness.
There are also physiological symptoms of anxiety which include;
Increased heart rate – palpitations, this is usually described as feeling like your heart is pounding.
Difficulty breathing or feeling a tightness in the chest.
Excessive and potentially sudden sweating, particularly in the palms of the hands, face or underarms.
Trembling or shaking uncontrollably which can range from mild to severe.
Gastrointestinal issues which can be experienced as stomachache, nausea or other digestive problems
Muscles can become tense, sore and tight. This can very often happen in the neck, shoulders and back.
There is a huge range of triggers for anxiety and they differ from person to person but here are a few of the most common ones;
Acute or chronic stress can come from work, relationships, financial pressures or any other aspect of life and this can lead to anxiety.
Social situations and public speaking can be a very powerful anxiety trigger, leading a large number of individuals to go to extremes to avoid them.
Specific fears, particularly phobias, are a big trigger and those experiencing that dread may make drastic changes to their behaviour in everyday life to avoid the feared event.
Health concerns either for the self or a loved one.
Just as there are a lot of facets to anxiety, there are also a number of things you can do to help yourself manage it. There are various forms of talking therapies which can be very helpful in exploring anxiety, your own personal experience of it and create the most effective ways of handling it.
Making changes in your lifestyle, for example creating a regular exercise routine, maintaining a healthily balanced diet and getting sufficient sleep can significantly reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can promote relaxation of the body and the mind and so reduce stress and anxiety.
Utilising or locating a support group can reduce the feelings of isolation that can accompany the experience. If you have a strong support network in friends, family and loved ones then talking to them can bring grounding and emotional support.
If needed, there are support groups that can be located, and it’s worth finding one if that would be preferable.
Anxiety is a complex condition that has a psychological and physiological impact on a huge number of people all over the world and in all walks of life. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms and identifying the triggers can help individuals seek appropriate support and create coping strategies. The right support will depend on the individual but having that in place can help to manage anxiety and lead a fulfilling life.