Anxiety is a normal physical response to stress, and part of the body’s natural fight-or-flight system. A manageable level of anxiety can help people prepare, respond, and perform.

 

However, when anxiety becomes intense, persistent, or distressing, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. This can include generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, separation anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

 

Anxiety is sometimes confused with stress or worry, but it often involves stronger fear or panic and may cause a racing heart, nervousness, restlessness, hypervigilance, low energy, sleep difficulties, and problems with concentration.

 

These stressors cause catastrophizing due to all the sensory overwhelm on the body and brain.

 

Developing tools to identify anxiety and manage it more effectively can assist to more accurately perceive situations in a non-threatening way.