What is anxiety: how to recognise it and what to do
Understand What is anxiety It is the first step to being able to manage it. It is a natural bodily response to situations perceived as threatening, but when it becomes intense or constant, it can affect emotional well-being and quality of life.
At CALMA Psicólogos, in Fuengirola and Mijas, we work to help you understand and regulate anxiety through an evidence-based approach.
What is anxiety and why does it occur?
Anxiety is a set of psychological and physiological responses that activate the body in the face of potential dangers. Its function is adaptive: to prepare us to react.
However, when this activation is maintained over time or appears without a real threat, it stops being useful and becomes a problem.
According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, a moderate level of anxiety can improve performance, but excess anxiety leads to a blockage and discomfort.
Related article:
Symptoms of anxiety
Physical symptoms
- Tachycardia
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Muscle tension
- Mario
Cognitive symptoms
- Negative or catastrophic thoughts
- Fear of losing control
- Constant worry
- Difficulty concentrating
Behavioural symptoms
- Avoidance of situations
- Social isolation
- Controlling behaviours
The most frequent anxiety disorders
When anxiety intensifies, it can lead to various disorders:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Anxiety attack
- Panic attacks
- Agoraphobia
Why is anxiety maintained?
Many strategies we use to reduce anxiety (avoiding, controlling, anticipating) work in the short term but maintain the problem in the long term.
The attempt to eliminate anxiety often has the opposite effect: more activation and more worry.
Related article:
Psychological treatment of anxiety
Psychological therapy is highly effective for treating anxiety.
At CALMA Psychologists, we work with:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Exhibition techniques
- Emotional regulation
- EMDR y abordajes integradores
Related article EMDR: mitos y realidades de la terapia de moda.
The goal is not to eliminate anxiety, but to learn to manage it without fear.
When to see a psychologist
It is advisable to seek help when:
- Anxiety is frequent or intense
- It interferes with your day-to-day life
- You avoid situations out of fear
- You feel a loss of control
Post written by Samara Valenzuela
If after reading this entry you believe you may need to seek assessment to see if you require therapy to manage anxiety, and would like to learn more about the professionals who provide it at CALMA PSICOLOGOS, do not hesitate to CLICK.
Bibliographic references
- Gottschalk, M.G.; Domschke, K. (2017). Genetics of generalized anxiety disorder and related traits. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 19(2), :159 – 168.
- Hofmann, S.G.; Dibartolo, P.M. (2010). Introduction: Toward an Understanding of Social Anxiety Disorder. Social Anxiety. pp. XIX – XXVI.
- Kendler, K.S. (2004). Major Depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. FOCUS. 2(3): pp. 416 – 425.
- Otte, C. (2011). Cognitive behavioural therapy in anxiety disorders: current state of the evidence. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 13 (4): 413 – 421.
- Phillips, A.C.; Carroll, D.; Der, G. (2015). Negative life events and symptoms of depression and anxiety: stress causation and/or stress generation. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping. 28 (4): pp. 357 – 371.
- Rynn, M.A.; Brawman-Mintzer, O. (2004). Generalized anxiety disorder: acute and chronic treatment. CNS Spectrums. 9(10): pp. 716 – 723.
- Sylvers, P.; Lilienfeld, S.O.; LaPrairie, J.L. (2011). Differences between trait fear and trait anxiety: implications for psychopathology. Clinical Psychology Review. 31(1): pp. 122 – 137.
- Waszczuk, M.A.; Zavos, H.M.S.; Gregory, A.M.; Eley, T.C. (2014). The Phenotypic and Genetic Structure of Depression and Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood. JAMA Psychiatry. 71(8): pp. 905 – 916.
- Avance Psicólogos. (2018, 27 November). What is anxiety: how to recognise it and what to do. Psychology and Mind Portal. https://psicologiaymente.com/clinica/que-es-ansiedad