Anxiety - Renew Health Clinic

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder characterized by constant feelings of apprehension, worry, and nervousness. It involves both physical and psychological symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Key terms related to anxiety include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worrying about everyday issues that is difficult to control
• Panic attacks: Intense periods of fear or discomfort that start suddenly and peak within minutes
• Phobias: Irrational fears related to specific objects or situations
• Social anxiety: Extreme fear about social situations and interactions

Anxiety differs from normal feelings of stress or nervousness in the following ways:

• Its intensity and duration - anxiety is more severe and persistent
• Its irrationality - anxiety persists even when there is little reason to be anxious
• Its interference - anxiety makes it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities

Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Constant worrying or obsession over small concerns
• Inability to control feelings of worry
• Restlessness, feeling on edge
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances

During anxiety attacks specifically, symptoms can include racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and more. Anxiety can be caused by a complex mix of factors, including:

• Trauma
• Genetics
• Brain chemistry
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Medical factors like thyroid issues

If you feel you may have an anxiety disorder, it's important to see a mental health professional. With some lifestyle changes like exercise, meditation, therapy, and possibly medication, many people find they can manage their anxiety symptoms successfully. The good news is anxiety is a highly treatable condition. Seeking help to understand the root causes and establish healthy coping mechanisms can go a long way toward getting anxiety under control.