Anxiety affects about 6.8 million American adults, including twice as many women as men. Anxiety is actually a normal reaction to stress, however it often goes unreported until it causes problems for the individual or those around them as individuals may have trouble controlling it.
Anxiety is a psychological problem that can cause emotional and health related issues. Here are some facts:
* Anxiety is not just psychological, it is also genetic
* General tension and stress can have no trigger – it can occur for what appears to be no reason
* Anxiety can be a learned behavior. You can pick up anxiety by watching others act anxious in stressful situations
* Anxiety can also be self-fulfilling. If you experience anxiety in situations that does not warrant it, the fear of experiencing that anxiety can cause additional anxiety
* Anxiety has a tendency to make the mind focus on the negatives, rather than on the positives, even if you are not feeling specifically negative about a given situation
* It is possible to become used to anxiety to the point where you no longer realize you are even anxious. Your body however is still experiencing the effects.
People prone to anxiety disorders tend to share certain personality traits:
- Perfectionism
- Excessive need for approval
- Excessive need for control
- Tendency to ignore physical and psychological signs of stress
Conquering anxiety includes techniques that address the physical, emotional, spiritual and behavioral “self”. Strategies include:
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Relaxation
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Physical exercise
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Positive self talk and recognize mistaken beliefs
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Visualization
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Identifying and expressing your feelings
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Improving self-esteem
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Good nutrition
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Learning to be self-assured
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Understanding fears from the past
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Medications (if needed)
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Finding meaning, purpose and spirituality
Consider seeking help from your doctor or therapist for an anxiety evaluation if you suffer any of the following for 6 months or more (or are growing increasingly problematic):
trouble falling or staying asleep, startle easily, difficulty concentrating, headaches, diarrhea, digestive problems, hypertension, and many more.