What is Stress and Anxiety?
Everyone can experience anxiety. It is an unpleasant feeling, accompanied by physical symptoms such as headaches tightness in the chest, stomach discomfort, restlessness increased heart rate. Some may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling of the extremities, syncope, or passing out, so I may experience tremors, some may have urgency to urinate. Some may experience diarrhea. This constellation of symptoms may be present all throughout as long as the stressor is present.
Anxiety may also affect learning, perception, and cognitive function. Someone who has extreme anxiety may have distorted perceptions. So I may have difficulty with time and space that can affect concentration, memory, and associations.
Extreme anxiety is associated with significant illness or morbidity. Anxiety can be acute. Anxiety may become chronic and may be resistant to treatment. Some may have distinct anxiety disorders such as Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, a generalized anxiety disorder.
Multiple risk factors are involved with anxiety. Genetics, exposure to trauma, and different experiences can play a role in anxiety. Traumatic events, military sexual trauma, combat trauma, childhood trauma, domestic violence, natural disasters may play a role in anxiety. When we feel anxious, our body warns us of impending danger. It allows our body to take measures so that we can manage the threat.
If you are struggling with extreme anxiety, having difficulty functioning in your day to day life, we are here to support your mental wellness, please click on the link and make an appointment
