The whole world is experiencing the effects of COVID-19 right now, and for some, this may reinforce anxiety that they already knew they battled with and for others, this testing situation may trigger anxiety that they never knew they had.
So how do you recognize if you suffer from anxiety?
Anxiety is simply the body’s response to stress.
A response to something we think is a threat.
Have you heard of ‘fight, flight or freeze’?
This our caveman response to DANGER. And it’s triggered by our hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline.
These hormones prepare us for the danger we are about to face, making sure we can react quickly, sending blood to the organs we will need the most – our heart starts beating faster in order to get the blood there!
Unfortunately, we do not have control over our ‘fight, flight or freeze response’.
Anxiety can vary in severity and some people may experience full-blown anxiety disorders.
Common symptoms include:
Sweating
Chest pain
Palpitations
Rapid heatbeat/ pounding heart – increased heart rate
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Numbness
Choking or difficulty swallowing
Dry mouth
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Peeing frequently
Restlessness
Muscle aches
Avoiding situations
Compulsive behaviour like checking things
The need to escape a situation that causes discomfort fear and worry
Racing mind
Poor concentration
Irritability
Feeling on edge
Nervousness
Sleep disturbances
Intrusive thoughts/repetitive thoughts/ rumination
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