Anxiety
Anxiety is a psychological condition that affects many people. It affects how people feel, how they behave and has very real physical symptoms. It feels a bit like fear, but whereas one knows what they are frightened of, one often doesn't know what they are anxious about. Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating. As with any addition, there are mental approaches to help overcome the problem.
A lack of faith can be a primary cause of anxiety (see: Atheism and anxiety and Atheism and cowardice). In addition, a false perception of reality, an exaggerated dependence on things outside of one's control, and a lack of meaningful purpose can be contributing causes.
Causes of Anxiety
A number of factors including stress appear to contribute to the development of anxiety.
Anxiety is often triggered by stress in one's life. Specific people may be more vulnerable to anxiety than others, but even those who become anxious easily can learn to manage it well. People can also make themselves anxious with negative self-talk - a habit of always telling themselves the worst will happen. [1]
How to Recognize Anxiety
Some of the following physical symptoms could be present:
- Excessive worry and tension
- Irritability
- Tense muscles
- Trembling
- Insomnia
- Churning stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Backaches
- Heart palpitations
- Numbness or "pins and needles" in arms, hands or legs
- Sweating/flushing
Symptoms of anxiety could be confused with physical illness; for example: becoming worried that you might be suffering a heart attack or stroke could increases anxiety. We all become anxious from time to time. It becomes a problem when it interferes with life in the absence of real threat, or goes on too long after the danger has past. Avoiding situations that make one anxious might help one feel better in the short term. The trouble is when the anxiety keeps returning, and has a habit of spreading to other situations. This could lead to one avoiding things like shops, crowded places, lectures or tutorials. So although avoidance makes one feel better, that relief is only temporary and sometimes one may worry about what will happen next time. Every time one avoids something, it could be harder next time they tries to face it. Gradually one could want to avoid more and more things. Ibidem
Relaxation techniques and regular exercise could help in the treatment of anxiety.
