When a person is anxious, the amygdala (a part of the brain involved with experiencing emotions) and the limbic system (a part of the brain involved in our behavioural and emotional responses, especially those needed for survival: feeding, reproduction etc.) are overly active.

Risk factors of Anxiety include:

• Genetics.  Studies support the evidence that anxiety disorders “run in families,” as some families have a higher-than-average amount of anxiety disorders among relatives.
• Environment. A stressful or traumatic event such as abuse, death of a loved one, violence or prolonged illness is often linked to the development of an anxiety disorder.
  

Emotional symptoms:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Feeling tense or jumpy
• Restlessness or irritability
• Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger

Physical symptoms:

• Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
• Sweating, tremors and twitches
• Headaches, fatigue and insomnia
• Upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea

Anxiety is a sign of personal weakness

Like other brain health disorders, anxiety does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages and all walks of life. It does not affect ‘weak people,’ nor is it a sign of weakness. Many people avoid outside treatment and support because of this unreasonable stigma, and this perception needs to change.

Anxiety is all the same

There are many types of anxiety disorders, including: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias

Anxiety Disorders will go away on their own

Symptoms of anxiety are persistent and usually require treatment to subside.

People with anxiety should avoid stressful situations.

Stress is unavoidable; anxiety treatments can help people cope with stressful situations more effectively.

Each anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms. Therefore, each anxiety disorder also has its own treatment plan. But there are common types of treatment that are used.

• Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of therapy that teaches specific strategies and methods for regulating unwelcome thoughts, behaviors, and emotions)
• Medications, including anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants
• Complementary health approaches, including stress and relaxation techniques like meditation