Anxiety
It is natural to worry and feel anxious about things — that presentation at work, your growing to-do list, a relationship. Anxiety can help you confront stresses in your life, and for many people the feeling is motivating and doesn’t last long. But when persistent worries start affecting your day-to-day activities, your work, your sleep, or your relationships, it may be time to do something about it.
What causes anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are like other forms of mental illness. They don’t come from personal weakness, character flaws or problems with upbringing. But researchers don’t know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. They suspect a combination of factors plays a role:
Chemical imbalance: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical balance that controls your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Environmental factors: Experiencing a trauma might trigger an anxiety disorder, especially in someone who has inherited a higher risk to start.
Heredity: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. You may inherit them from one or both parents, like eye color.
What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. General symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:
Physical symptoms:
Cold or sweaty hands.
Dry mouth.
Heart palpitations.
Nausea.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
Muscle tension.
Shortness of breath.
Mental symptoms:
Feeling panic, fear and uneasiness.
Nightmares.
Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences.
Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
Behavioral symptoms:
Inability to be still and calm.
Ritualistic behaviors, such as washing hands repeatedly.
Trouble sleeping.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms on an ongoing or reoccurring basis, consider getting help from a professional counselor.