What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is defined as “painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill.” It is “fearful concern or interest” as well as “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (such 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.” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary) So anxiety can be a complex problem. Among its many causes are sickness, aging, fear of crime, loss of employment, and concern for the welfare of one’s family.

Clearly, there are degrees of anxiety, just as there are various conditions or circumstances that can give rise to it. Not all people react to a situation in the same way. The body reacts to anxiety on all levels - cognitively, somatically, emotionally and behaviorally. On a somatic level, the body reacts by going into the ‘fight or flight’ response – it increases the heart rate, bloodflow and sweating response while, at the same time, slowing down the body’s immunity and digestive system functioning. Outward physical signs of anxiety include paleness of skin, shakiness and dilated pupils. On an emotional level, the person suffering from an anxiety disorder feels a sense of panic or dread. Nausea and chills may also be evidenced.