Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives. Feeling anxious is a natural human response to stressful or uncertain situations. Contrary to popular belief, anxiety is not always negative. In small doses, anxiety can act as a useful warning system, making you aware of danger or motivating you to take important actions. However, for some people, anxiety can become disruptive and overwhelming. If anxiety is persistently impacting your life, work, or relationships, or if you are experiencing excessive feelings of worry, fear, or dread, it may be time to seek professional support.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Irrational fear
- Excessive worry
- Difficulty concentrating or completing everyday tasks
- Feeling tense, jittery, irritable, or on edge
- Anticipating the worst possible outcome
- Avoiding people or situations due to anxiety
- Trouble sleeping, fatigue
- Shortness of breath, racing heart, chest tightness
- Headaches, muscle tension or pain, nausea
- Shakiness or trembling
At a minimum, anxiety can be distracting. For some, anxiety can become all-consuming, and it is more common than you may think: According to Health Canada, anxiety disorders affect about 10% of Canadians and are the most common mental health conditions. Working with a therapist, you can explore the cause of your anxiety and learn strategies to manage or overcome it. A therapist can help you develop an individualized plan using tools and techniques tailored to your needs.