What Causes Anxiety? (Pt 1)

What causes anxiety? Are you plagued by panic/anxiety attacks driven by deep seated anxiety?

This is a three part article that will explore anxiety and related conditions. We are going to look at the following topics:

• The definition of anxiety
• What is the root of our anxious feelings
• What does anxiety do to us: physically and emotionally
• How can we cope with this condition

What is Anxiety?

The dictionary defines anxiety as follows: "an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it."

By the definition itself, one is easily reminded of occurrences or individual episodes of exactly these symptoms in our own lives. The are some who are fortunate to not experience the extreme nature of these symptoms and therefore are not inclined to sympathize with those who do. There are many manifestations of anxiety, both emotional and physical. They can range from, but are not limited to:

Emotional -

• lacking the ability to concentrate and focus
• looking for the worst in everything
• inability to relax and rest
• nervousness

Physical -

• profuse perspiration
• inability to sleep
• indigestion
• rapid heart rate
• breathlessness

Surely you can add to this list from your own experiences.

It should be said that experiencing any or all of these feelings does not in themselves, dictate that an individual has a particular type of disorder when in fact their bodies may simply be responding in an appropriate way, to their life experiences.

What is particularly disconcerting is that these symptoms and the possible anxiety or panic attacks that may result, are unpredictable. They can strike anytime and anyplace with no advanced notice. It's been noted that these attacks are generally very short; mostly a few minutes. To the sufferer though, these attacks can seem to last much longer. Some have described this time as frightening, terror filled or a period when they have lost control of themselves.

Imagine feeling as if you were going to faint or you had so much trouble breathing that you felt as if you were going to choke. It might be quite hot outside but you are freezing and you simply can't stop shaking. You know that generally you are very healthy but suddenly you are experiencing chest pains, your breathing quickens, painful cramping has begun and essentially everything around you seems to be losing reality.

Those who experience panic attacks will tell you that the description above is a weak attempt to detail how they really feel.

Diagnosing anxiety disorders may not be simple though. Within this broad "catch all" are numerous types, actually about six. Each can have their own symptom profile.

In the next installment of our three part article exploring what causes anxiety, we will look at each of these types of anxiety disorders and explore anxiety attack treatment and coping approaches.

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