This is sort of a response to a comment someone made under one of my posts. She didn't quite understand what anxiety is and how people get it. I'll try to explain as much as I can. Stay with me.
Anxiety is apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill. It is the state of being anxious. It is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of worry, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.
You might be in the middle of something and suddenly, you can't process anything anymore. It usually beings as stress and tiredness and when you ignore, can lead to panic attacks. For some people, it's so severe that they won't be able to function for days or weeks, not until they are taken care of.
It is important to note that not all stress related feeling is anxiety. Like depression, it is a mental health disorder. It's easier for someone who has depression to get anxiety as well.
Let's look at the some of the symptoms.
Behavioural: hypervigilance, irritability, or restlessness
Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts
Whole body: fatigue or sweating
Also common: excessive worry, fear, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, or trembling.
Just in case you don't understand any of the above, here's a simplified one.
Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
Having an increased heart rate.
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating.
Trembling.
Feeling weak or tired.
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
Ninety percent of these happen before and during the attack. In some cases, the person might be able to pull themselves out of it within hours. In order cases, they're hospitalised and confined in bed for days.
Anxiety attacks are nasty things. If you feel the above all at once, do well to see a doctor. There are a lot of self-care treatment. People who have lived with it for a long time can manage themselves. They include; learning how to manage stress, reduction of caffeine and alcohol intakes etc. But before you do anything, be sure to consult a professional.
I hope this answered some, if not all the questions.
Are you ready for tomorrow?