Anxiety is a normal emotion, but when it becomes excessive and persistent it can become a disorder. Anxiety disorders can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health problems, which is why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety and take steps to manage it. This guide provides an overview of anxiety, its causes, and how to recognize it.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal emotion that helps us recognize and respond to potential threats. It’s a natural response to stress, and it can help us stay alert and prepared for danger. However, when anxiety is excessive and persistent, it can become a disorder. Anxiety disorders can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health problems, including difficulty sleeping, feeling overwhelmed, and difficulty concentrating.

Common Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Genetics, or inherited traits from your parents, can play a role in anxiety, as some people are more prone to anxious behavior than others. Environment, or the situations and events that occur in your life, can also be a cause of anxiety. For example, if you’re in a job or living situation that is highly stressful, it can cause feelings of anxiety. Finally, lifestyle choices such as substance abuse and lack of sleep can contribute to anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest itself in both physical and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms of anxiety can include increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, muscle tension, and difficulty breathing. Psychological symptoms can include feelings of fear, worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

How to Recognize Anxiety

The first step in recognizing anxiety is to pay attention to your body and your environment. Are you feeling tense or on edge? Are your thoughts racing or negative? Are you feeling overwhelmed or unable to concentrate? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it may be a sign that you are experiencing anxiety.

Another way to recognize anxiety is to keep track of your thoughts and behaviors. Are you engaging in behaviors that are unhelpful or counterproductive such as drinking too much alcohol or avoiding social situations? Are your thoughts negative or unhelpful? Are you thinking excessively about a particular situation or event? If so, it may be a sign of anxiety.

Finally, it’s important to pay attention to your emotions. Do you feel overwhelmed or hopeless? Are you feeling irritable or easily frustrated? Do you feel like you can’t relax or that you’re constantly on edge? If so, it may be a sign of anxiety.

Getting Help for Anxiety

If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s important to seek help. Professional counseling can help you identify the causes of your anxiety, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and manage your anxiety. At Purple Sky Counseling in Salt Lake City, UT, we provide comprehensive counseling services to help individuals manage their anxiety. Our counselors are experienced in helping individuals recognize anxiety and develop skills to manage it.