Anxiety

What is it?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It can also cause a strong desire or concern to do something or for something to happen.

Everyone feels anxious from time to time, especially when facing a challenging or unfamiliar situation or important event, for example, having a job interview or sitting an exam. 

If under control, feeling a little anxious can even help us be alert and focused at times, when we need to perform at our best. 

Anxiety can become a problem, however, when it happens too often, feels overwhelming or goes on for too long. Some people can find it hard to control their anxious thoughts and this can start to affect their day-to-day life.

https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/myself/exploring-your-mental-health/anxiety/

Symptoms

• Increased heart rate

• Rapid breathing

• Restlessness

• Trouble concentrating

• Difficulty falling asleep

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety#symptoms

What is an anxiety attack?

An anxiety attack is a feeling of overwhelming apprehension, worry, distress, or fear. For many people, an anxiety attack builds slowly. It may worsen as a stressful event approaches.

Anxiety attacks can vary greatly, and symptoms may differ among individuals. That’s because the many symptoms of anxiety don’t happen to everyone, and they can change over time.

Common symptoms of an anxiety attack include:

• Feeling faint or dizzy

• Shortness of breath

• Dry mouth

• Sweating

• Chills or hot flashes

• Apprehension and worry

• Restlessness

• Distress

• Fear

• Numbness or tingling

A panic attack and an anxiety attack share some common symptoms, but they’re not the same. You can visit our section on panic attacks to find out more. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety#anxiety-attack

Misconceptions about anxiety

• Feeling stressed, worried or anxious are very common experiences. It can help people anticipate potential problems and solve them ahead of time. Anxiety disorders go beyond the general worry of day to day life. They are characterised by feeling worried or fearful every day for six months.

• Anxiety doesn’t necessarily go away on it’s own. It can be chronic and persistent, however treatment, coping strategies and self-help information can help to change an individual’s perspective. 

• People with anxiety shouldn’t avoid certain situations. Stress is unavoidable but anxiety treatments can help people cope with stressful situations more effectively. 

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/anxiety/related/anxiety-myths/

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