What is anxiety?
What we call ‘anxiety’ is our mind and body’s response to stress or perceived threats in our environment. This stress activates our internal alarm system (our autonomic nervous system), which triggers what is known as our stress response (flight/fight or freeze).
What this means is our mind is preparing our body to either run away from the situation or threat (flight), respond immediately (fight) or to hide or avoid the threat (freeze). The symptoms that we experience and label as ‘anxiety’ are a product of the level of autonomic arousal produced by our perception of these threats.
Threats may or may not resemble threats to our life or immediate safety, they may also be daily/routine stressors such as the factors discussed below.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
▪ Racing thoughts
▪ Feeling hot
▪ Shaking
▪ Sweating
▪ Difficulty catching your breath or breathing very quickly
▪ Nausea
▪ Needing to use the bathroom frequently
▪ Muscle tension
▪ Dizziness or feeling faint
Why do I experience anxiety?
Anxiety can be triggered by several biological, psychological and social factors which may include:
▪ Genetic predisposition
▪ Physical pain
▪ Illness
▪ Some medication withdrawal or side effects
▪ Relationship strain
▪ Trauma
▪ Alcohol withdrawal or substance misuse
▪ Social situations
▪ Financial hardship
Note that anxiety may also be due to a combination of these factors among others.
How can anxiety be managed?
Research indicates that effective treatments for anxiety can include:
- medications (e.g. antidepressants, beta-blockers)
- psychotherapy (cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness approaches and psychodynamic psychotherapy)
- self-management strategies (exercise, avoiding stimulants, yoga, relaxation and meditation).
Speaking to your GP about your treatment options or a referral to a mental health professional who is trained in the treatment of anxiety can be a good place to start.
Why don’t benzodiazepines stop anxiety?
Benzodiazepines do quickly reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, benzodiazepines should not be prescribed for long-term treatment of anxiety or panic, as taking benzodiazepines consistently for 2–3 weeks or more can result in tolerance being developed and dependence on the medication forming.
In these cases, people need to keep increasing their dose of the medication to receive the same effect.
Benzodiazepines are only indicated for short-term and intermittent use.
