What is Anxiety? – An Introduction
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion, acting as our body’s natural response to stress or perceived threats. While it can help motivate us and prepare us for challenges, excessive anxiety can interfere with daily life and overall wellbeing.
The Physical & Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest as both physical symptoms, such as restlessness and muscle tension, and psychological symptoms, like constant worry and feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing these symptoms is a critical step towards better managing anxiety.
The Evolutionary Background to Anxiety
Anxiety is part of our evolutionary survival instinct, designed to protect our ancestors from threats in their environment. This understanding can help us reframe anxiety as a protective, albeit sometimes overactive, aspect of our brain, rather than a flaw.
Anxiety and Avoidance
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety can provide short-term relief but often exacerbates the issue in the long run. Challenging avoidance by gradually facing fears, with the support of a therapist or care team, can expand our comfort zone and enable recovery.
Coping Strategies for Anxiety
Coping strategies include deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional help. Managing anxiety is a journey, and each step towards coping and managing it, no matter how small, is a significant and commendable victory.