Anxiety is either a mild or severe, unsettling feeling of worry, uneasiness, nervousness and unease. Everybody must have been anxious at least during one point of their life. Maybe when you were waiting for your university admission status or examination results.
Personally, I think the term “mental illness” is given a bad rep in Nigeria because most people would rather sit back and endure in silence. Even after sensing their mental well-being is being threatened. I can’t say for sure if its the fear of being labelled as a “mad person” or just plain negligence.
Anxiety is a natural emotion which is necessary for responding to stressful situations. But you should bear in mind that the minute you notice your levels of nervousness or worry is excessive or high you have to seek medical counsel. Anxiety is a serious medical disorder and must not be taken for granted.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.”
Anxiety disorder comes with a fair amount of symptoms, while some maybe obvious, others aren’t.
Unexplained agitation
Does your BP rise sometimes for no particular reason? Like your palms getting sweaty? knees getting weak and your hands are shaky? Most times this occurs due to the fact that your brain senses an impending danger and is taking measures to counter act if the threat arrives.
This is good thing and all, but what of when it becomes a regular occurrence affecting your daily life? Getting agitated over something that is not there could mean serious trouble, and i advice you seek proper medical care.
Tiredness
As you may have already guessed, fatigue is another symptom that anxiety brings along. Although it is unclear as to whether this tiredness is linked to another symptom of anxiety (insomnia), because the result of an improper sleep schedule is fatigue.
Avoiding social interaction
You could be faced with anxiety issues if you constantly feel too tensed or worried about future events. They always feel like leaving the gathering even before they get there. This could be fear of getting humiliated in public or being judged by others. Because the truth is that this disorder is closely linked to low self-esteem and depression.
People with social anxiety tend to look too shy and quiet when interacting with new people. This can sometimes make people with social anxiety appear like snobs or someone who is proud or pompus.
These are just a few sings and symptoms of anxiety disorders. There are a lot more others to check up on. It is important to note that a person may have most of these symptoms and be suffering some a totally different affliction, say DEPRESSION. That is why it is essential to seek the opinion of a professional if you suspect you’re suffering from anxiety or any other mental disorder.
