There are around over 8 million cases of anxiety in the UK, which is more common than those who experience it realise. All of us are likely to experience these feelings at some point in our lives. It’s completely normal to feel mild anxiety when we do, especially if you’re going through something stressful, such as a job interview, a break-up or moving house. In fact, stress can actually help you perform better in stressful situations because it helps you stay alert.
However, if anxiety is severe or lasts for a long time, it can lead to physical and mental health problems. What those who experience it may not realise is that the often debilitating feelings associated with anxiety can manifest themselves and are more than just thoughts in the mind. In fact, when people are anxious, our bodies can experience a number of symptoms, which include headaches, breathing difficulties and insomnia.
Anxiety is a generalised feeling of unease or worry that can be caused by a number of reasons, for example if you are worried about anything to do with the future, failure, embarrassment, illness or loss.
When we are anxious, our body triggers a similar response to when we are stressed, producing adrenaline hormones to help us cope with the situation, which activates the ‘fight or flight’ response that helped our ancestors protect themselves from danger – either by facing the threat , or run away from the threat.
As we’ve adapted to our modern, fast-paced lives, even when we’re not in immediate physical danger, adrenaline still tries to help us when we feel anxious. Adrenaline can make us feel uncomfortable because when it’s released into our bloodstream, it changes the way our body functions.
We all feel our anxiety at some point in our lives, and it’s important to look at how it helps you survive, but also recognise when it makes things more difficult.
This can become a problem when your anxiety stops you from going about your daily life. If this persists for more than six weeks, seek guidance from your GP or consult a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counsellor.
Of course, it is always my sincere hope that people are in good health!