HEALTH MATTERS
HEALTH MATTERS
THE MYSTERY OF ANXIETY
By Kepha Nyanumba
Many of us worry from time to time . We fret over finances , feel anxious about job interviews , or get nervous about social gatherings . Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear which is our body ’ s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat .
Our systems are designed to keep us safe and to respond to danger in a way that prepares us to either stand our ground ( fight ) or to get us away from danger to a safe place ( flight ). These responses are instinctive and an important part of our make-up .
When we find ourselves in a place where we are in danger , these physical and psychological reactions give us the additional strength and clarity of focus needed to get us away from danger . In this way , anxiety can be a helpful , protective response .
Sometimes , most of us won ’ t often find ourselves in life threatening danger , however , anxiety may still be part of our day to day experience . Sometimes we are very aware of what ’ s causing the feelings of anxiety , for example when getting ready for an exam , speaking in public , or when responding to conflict at work or home .
At other times , we find ourselves feeling anxious without really knowing the cause . The anxiety can feel overwhelming , resulting in feelings of extreme fear , panic and tearfulness and bringing with it physical symptoms such as lack of sleep , muscle tension and chronic pain .
One of the most common types of anxiety disorder is social anxiety disorder , or social phobia . It affects both women and men equally . Without treatment , social phobia can last for years or even a lifetime .
‘‘ One of the most pernicious aspects of stress is how easily it can sneak up on us . Do you ever feel like your calendar is running you instead of the other way around ? Ever get agitated due to too many competing priorities and super-tight deadlines but not enough time ? Do you have restless nights thinking about your work reports ? If you ’ ve answered yes to any of these questions , you are living with stress .’’
People with social phobia may worry for days or weeks before a social event . They ’ re often embarrassed , self-conscious , and afraid of being judged . They find it hard to talk to others . They may blush , sweat , tremble , or feel sick to their stomach when around other people .
Other common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder . People with generalized anxiety disorder worry endlessly over everyday issues like health , money , or family problems even if they realize there ’ s little cause for concern .
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