Life is full of things just ready to jump out and scare us or stress us out. Everyone has a moment now and then when the heart races, the face flushes, and the muscles tense up. A snarling dog startles you. You swerve your car to barely miss hitting another car in traffic. You grip tightly to a railing as your morning train lurches to a sudden halt. Reacting to anxiety helps us survive - it's all about fight or flight.
For some people, though, anxiety becomes a part of everyday life. Relentless stress in life can lead to general chronic worry and anxiousness. When someone develops an anxiety disorder, they may worry constantly about even the smallest things, or their body and mind may react to stimuli that shouldn't cause anxiety - sometimes provoking panic attacks.
Common symptoms of anxiety include chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, fear of going crazy or losing control, muscle tension, trembling, and sweating. If you feel that stress - or other reasons - have caused you to feel anxious and worried more often than is normal, you should check in with your doctor. They may perform some tests to make sure that the anxiety does not have a physical cause.
Many people with anxiety benefit from lifestyle modifications, including reducing caffeine intake, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques. Sometimes confronting the cause of the anxiety head-on can be helpful, too. Sharing your anxiety with close, supportive friends and going out and having some fun can often lessen its impact.