Anxiety is the feeling you get when you are stressed, worried or scared of something. It can affect the way you feel physically and emotionally as well as the way you think and behave.
Anxiety is a normal part of our daily lives that everyone feels from time to time. For example, it is normal to feel stressed anxious or worried before a test or job interview. It is also normal to feel anxious when something dangerous is about to happen. Anxiety is a helpful emotion in these cases because helps us to prepare to perform at our best and to avoid potentially dangerous situations. However, anxiety can become a problem when it is so overwhelming that it starts to impact on daily life, that is, when it interferes with work, study, socialising or when it has a negative effect on relationships.
Anxiety can develop in response to both biological and psychological factors. Some people may inherit a vulnerability to develop anxiety or may have an “anxious” temperament that predisposes them to developing anxiety. Psychological factors like stressful, traumatic and often uncontrollable life events may also lead to the development of anxiety and excessive worry.
Anxiety can be overcome and managed effectively. A clinical psychologist can teach you relaxation and breathing techniques while helping you to examine any negative thinking patterns that may be supporting your distress. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to use alongside psychotherapy.