Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling related to fear, worry and uneasiness. Everyone has experienced anxiety for different reasons: before important meetings, saying speeches, taking exams, etc. Physical symptoms of anxiety are sweating palms, pounding heart, headace, etc. However, some people suffer from a stronger form of anxiety when the feeling is much stronger and more difficult to handle. In this case the symptoms may include heart palpitations, fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, stomach ache etc.
The main factors causing general anxiety disorder are brain chemistry, genetics and enviromental factors.
Neurotransmitters that exist in our brain move certain information from one nerve cell to another. If the level of neurotransmitters is too high, it is very likely to suffer from anxiety. The information is not able to get through the brain and brain is not able to react normaly in various situations.
Some scientists believe that anxiety is a part of genetics.
Most of the time, anxiety is related to enviromental changes. For example, changing job or school, divorce, death of a loved one or other events that add stress to our lives. Extensive use of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine is also included into enviromental factors causing anxiety.
In order to cope with anxiety you first of all need to admit yourself that you have a problem. Most of the time people do not admit they have a problem or do not consider it as a serious thing. Before asking for professional help you can try coping with anxiety by yourself or at least reduce negative affects caused by anxiety. Practice muscle relaxation, find out about breathing exercises, meditation. Eat healthy food, avoid caffeine, stop smoking if you are a smoker. Identify your fears and try to find a source of them.
If the level of anxiety is deeper, in addition to before mentioned ways of treatment, you may also need to take medications. Most of the time, you will be prescribed tranquilizers in order to relax and feel calm.
Anxiety is a feeling that can be prevented. So even if you don’t suffer from it you can consider healthy lifestyle as a prevention mean. Exercising and eating healthy food, getting rid of bad habits will add much more value to your life than you could imagine.