Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, unease, or worry that typically occurs in the absence of an imminent threat. It differs from fear, which is the body’s natural response to immediate danger. Anxiety is part of the body's natural reaction to stress, so it can be helpful at times, making you more alert and ready for action.
Anxiety generally falls into five categories, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Mental symptoms of anxiety can include:
- racing thoughts
- uncontrollable over thinking
- difficulties concentrating
- feelings of dread, panic or ‘impending doom’
- feeling irritable
- heightened alertness
- problems with sleep
- changes in appetite
- wanting to escape from the situation you are in, and dissociation.
Physical symptoms of anxiety can include:
- sweating
- heavy and fast breathing
- hot flushes or blushing
- dry mouth
- shaking
- hair loss
- fast heartbeat
- extreme tiredness or lack of energy
- dizziness and fainting, and
- stomach aches and sickness.
Anxiety can often lead to depression.
