There are psychological and physical symptoms. It is a normal reaction to stress when you are faced with a difficult problem or worrying about things/events that you have no or little control over.
You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions or feel irritable or have physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or have trouble sleeping. There is a sense of impending danger or doom—-creating a panicky feeling. You may believe the world is speeding up or slowing down. You may think that other people can see that you are anxious and are looking at you, so you feel embarrassed.
Anxiety usually goes away when the triggering event is over. However, it may recur when there are certain life circumstances. It may become a long-term condition that interferes with your life daily.
Remember: Thoughts lead to feelings that lead to outward behaviors. Stress is an emotional response (feeling) based on a mental interpretation (thought) of an event. We feel anxious – we do not think stress and anxiety.
You may stop and think clearly by using questions that help you evaluate a situation more calmly. Ask questions that get you specific answers vs “what if” questions. You may ask questions such as: What am I telling myself about this situation; What facts do I have to back up my thinking; Who might help me solve this problem; How might I look at this problem/situation differently, i.e., more logically.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. CBT is based on the theory that what we think and how we act directly influences the way we feel. By altering thinking that is distorted, and behavior that is not productive to our needs, we can change our emotions and our lives.
Learn Cognitive Behavioral Skills to:
Communicate Effectively
Problem Solve
Team Play/Work