Anxiety is a normal response that your body experiences when exposed to stress, also known as our “Fight or Flight” response. Becoming anxious can be related to things like taking a test, starting at a new school, job interview or other changes in your life. Stressful situations can cause your body to also react; your heart races, hands become clammy, and feeling lightheaded or shaky.
Although reacting to a stressor is normal, many people feel anxious all of the time. Anxiety disorders can affect a person’s ability to focus on relationships, complete activities like school work, prompt an obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder or a phobia. If left untreated, anxiety and anxiety disorders can lead to depression, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship issues and possible suicide. It is important to get help if you feel anxiety is taking over. As a friend, it helps to be patient and understanding.
Here is a great explanation of anxiety by Sophie Wright, Snapsaplenty Illustration.
Click the image below to view the entire series.
For more information, please visit http://mindyourmind.ca/illnesses/anxiety
