Anxiety
The first day of school, going to a job-interview, public performance or major life-transition, we all have had our share of being anxious before an event. But sometimes the effects of anxiety can be overwhelming.
Sometimes anxiety cannot be distinguished from general stress. The occasional stress is actually a necessary impulse for survival, which gets us going in daily situations and is a signal of a potential danger to trigger a “fight-or-flight” reaction. When the state of stress becomes persistent, causing a sudden or constant feeling of irritability, worry, difficulties concentrating, often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, sweating and nausea among other possible physical symptoms, this could be related to general anxiety state.
The general anxiety disorder is recognized by excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations, often involving repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment. Anxiety often goes hand-in-hand with depression. The anxious state could occur just once, or it could persist.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States only, age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. (ADAA, 2021)
Talk therapy can help ease the symptoms of anxiety. It will empower you to understand what triggers the anxiety and to develop coping strategies.