What is Anxiety?

The Basics

Anxiety is defined as a feeling of fear, unease, and/or dread. When we are faced with a stressful situation, anxiety is a normal reaction we experience as human beings.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes. Some common symptoms of anxiety are:

  • Feeling restless or on-edge

  • Being easily fatigued

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Muscle tension

  • General feelings of worry

  • Tightness in your chest

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep

Have you found it difficult to cope with any of these symptoms lately?

What are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that come on quickly and reach a peak usually within a few minutes. Panic attacks often occur unexpectedly, making them difficult to prepare for. They can also be brought on by a trigger such as a flashback of a traumatic event.

  • Heart palpitations, or an accelerated heart rate

  • Sweating

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Shortness of breath, or feeling that you are choking

  • Feelings of impending doom

  • Feelings of being out of control

During a panic attack, people often feel the following symptoms: