Fear, worry and anxiety are a normal part of life and are critical to our survival. Quite simply, if we did not get anxious, we may do silly things like walk out onto a busy street, step off the side of a mountain, or try to pat lions! Panic is extreme anxiety or fear. Like a massive STOP sign, our panic alarm is our body’s way of sending us a message we cannot ignore, so that we will not continue to do whatever it is that may threaten our lives. Unfortunately, sometimes the alarm is set off when nothing life threatening is happening, and this can be frightening, unpleasant, and can significantly interfere with the quality of our life.
How do you know if anxiety is abnormal?
All anxiety is normal – some is just experienced more intensely and becomes more bothersome. The golden rule is that if anxiety/panic are impacting negatively on an individual’s life by preventing them from doing traditionally ‘safe’ things like going shopping, interacting with other people, or other activities that are important to them, then it’s worth learning how to overcome it. Much can be gained, including increased self-esteem, confidence, and general happiness!
The following may be signs of anxiety, worry or panic.
Repeated visits to a doctor for a variety of symptoms, like stomach aches, without a medical explanation
Panic attacks – dizziness, breathlessness, racing heart and sweating without a medical reason
Difficulty getting to sleep
Repeated absence from work without medical explanation
Loneliness and isolation
Less willingness to interact with others
Avoidance of activities that cause anxiety: friends, eye contact, public speaking, social occasions, saying ‘no’.
Avoiding situations in which panic may occur like shopping or queues, competitive sport, etc.
Worrying and asking for a lot of reassurance
Excessive fidgeting
Anxiety can also underpin depression
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