Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.¹ It's a normal and often healthy² reaction to stressful situations, helping us to be alert and prepared for potential danger or challenges.

However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.³ These disorders are characterised by intense, unrealistic, and debilitating worry and fear that can significantly impact a person's ability to function.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects of anxiety:

Normal Anxiety:

• Triggered by Stress: Usually arises in response to specific stressors, such as exams, job interviews, important decisions, or social situations.
• Temporary: Typically subsides once the stressful situation has passed.
• Mild to Moderate Intensity: The level of worry or fear is generally manageable and doesn't significantly disrupt daily activities.
• Adaptive: Can be helpful by motivating us to prepare, problem-solve, and avoid potential harm.

Anxiety Disorders:

These are a group of mental health conditions characterised by excessive and persistent anxiety, fear, worry, and related behavioural disturbances. They differ in the types of situations that provoke anxiety, the content of the worry, and the associated physical symptoms. Some common types include:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics, events, or activities.
• Panic Disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear that can include physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear of social situations where one might be scrutinised, judged, or embarrassed.
• Specific Phobias: Intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation (e.g., spiders, heights, flying).
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures.
• Agoraphobia: Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help wouldn't be available if panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms occur.
• Selective Mutism: Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which there is an expectation for speaking (e.g., at school) despite speaking in other situations.⁴

Key Characteristics of Anxiety Disorders:

• Excessive and Persistent Worry: Worry is often unrealistic, difficult to control, and occurs more days than not for a significant period.
• Intense Fear or Dread: Can be focused on specific situations or be more generalised.
• Avoidance Behaviours: Individuals may go to great lengths to avoid situations that trigger their anxiety.
• Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can manifest physically through:
  • Increased heart rate and palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Nausea or abdominal distress⁵
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness,⁶ or feeling faint
  • Muscle tension
  • Restlessness or feeling on edge
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbances
• Significant Distress and Impairment: The anxiety causes significant distress and interferes with daily functioning in areas such as work, school, relationships, and social activities.

In summary, while anxiety is a normal human emotion, anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent, and debilitating worry and fear that significantly impact a person's life. These conditions are treatable through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. If you believe you may have an anxiety disorder, seeking help from a mental health professional is recommended.