Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or worry that can have physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive effects on the body. The presence of anxiety is not necessarily a negative thing. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is the body's way of coping with stressful situations. Therefore, moderate levels of anxiety can have a positive influence. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and uncontrollable, it can lead to adverse effects such as the development of an anxiety disorder.
Physical
Feelings of anxiety are expressed physically in many ways. On the inside, the heart races, muscles tighten and nausea may occur. On the outside, there is sweat, trembling and gasps for breath. In some instances, anxiety can overtake the body causing dizziness, blurriness and unsteadiness. These instances are referred to as anxiety or panic attacks and seem to occur out of nowhere. Anxiety attacks deplete the body of its resources and can make people feel as though they will pass out. Chronic anxiety can lead to fatigue, stomach aches, diarrhea, chest pains and breathing difficulties.
Emotional
The presence of anxiety can lead to an exaggerated startle response. Anxiety makes people jumpy or on edge and may cause them to overreact to sudden interruptions such as noises. Constant anxiety can lead to significant distress and impairment in everyday functioning. Negative and irritable moods are also associated with anxiety as well as symptoms of depression. According to the Surgeon General, not only does anxiety frequently co-exist among individuals diagnosed with major depression, but approximately 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with major depression also have an anxiety disorder.
Behavioral
Individuals typically suffer through anxiety-provoking situations instead of avoiding them altogether. However, individuals with anxiety disorders tend to avoid such situations because they persistently fear being judged, embarrassed or humiliated. Anxiety heightens one's attention, which can be beneficial when driving home during a storm. However, individuals with anxiety disorders are unable to alleviate it. Therefore, they will continue to experience symptoms of anxiety even when they are no longer in an anxiety-provoking situation.
Cognitive
Anxious individuals typically have a pessimistic view of future events, which can have a crippling effect on performance. Excessive anxiety about an upcoming performance can ultimately undermine the actual performance. Their mind may go blank during a speech or they may become easily distracted, confused or lose their place. On the other hand, the anxiety provoked by the fear of failure can be used to motivate people to try harder or practice more. Also, backup plans may be devised to reduce one's anxieties about possible pitfalls by covering all bases.
