What Is Anxiety According to Psychology?Īnxiety is a normal and adaptive emotional response, defined as feelings of distress, worry, and physiological symptoms in the context of apprehensively anticipating future danger or misfortune (American Psychological Association, 2013).Īnxiety is the activation of the body’s fight, flight, or freeze response, which is often experienced as restlessness, trembling, poor concentration, sweating, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and irritability (Clark & Beck, 2011).Īlthough anxiety is a normal experience, it can become a problem when it exceeds the reality of potential danger.

Siri Kabrick is a nurse practitioner in Psychiatry & Psychology in Fairmont, Minnesota.

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It's easier to treat if you get help early.

See your health care provider or a mental health provider before your anxiety worsens. Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may worsen over time if you don't seek help. Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what's causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.ĭon't let worries isolate you from loved ones or activities. Practice the strategies you developed with your mental health provider so you're ready to deal with anxious feelings in these situations. Learn what situations or actions cause you stress or increase your anxiety. Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking your medication. Keep therapy appointments and complete any assignments your therapist gives. Involve your family and friends, and ask for their support. Talk to your health care provider to find out what might be causing your specific condition and what treatments might be best for you. If you aren't sleeping well, talk with your health care provider.Ī healthy diet that incorporates vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish may be linked to reduced anxiety, but more research is needed. Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety.ĭo what you can to make sure you're getting enough sleep to feel rested. Use stress management and relaxation techniques.Nicotine and caffeine can worsen anxiety. Quit smoking, and cut back or quit drinking caffeinated beverages.If you can't quit on your own, see your health care provider or find a support group to help you. These substances can cause or worsen anxiety. Start out slowly, and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your activities. It can improve your mood and help you stay healthy.

Here are 11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder:ĭevelop a routine so that you're physically active most days of the week. While most people with anxiety disorders need psychotherapy or medications to get anxiety under control, lifestyle changes and coping strategies also can make a difference. Your provider can help rule out any underlying physical health issue before seeing a mental health professional. You should see your health care provider if your anxiety is affecting your life and relationships. They are out of proportion to the actual danger and can cause you to avoid places or situations.

These feelings of anxiety and panic can interfere with daily activities and be difficult to control.

Obsessively thinking about the panic trigger.

A sense of impending panic, danger or doom.

Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include: These feelings are unhealthy if they affect your quality of life and prevent you from functioning normally. Having occasional feelings of anxiety is a normal part of life, but people with anxiety disorders experience frequent and excessive anxiety, fear, terror and panic in everyday situations.

General thoughts on anxiety