John had been anxious all morning. He was about to deliver a speech at his company’s annual conference, but felt lost. He had been practicing his lines for the past week, but still needed to handle them more confidently. As time got closer, his anxiety levels started to go. His heart was pounding, and his palms were sweating.
He tried to take a deep breath and assure himself that everything would be okay, but he was unsuccessful. Suddenly, he felt a sense of panic and searched for a quiet place to calm down. He searched for a bathroom and locked himself in there.
Anyone suffering from an anxiety disorder knows the symptoms that often accompany attacks. But to learn how to deal with the condition and even get over it, it is essential to understand why it happens.
Fear is the most common symptom of an anxiety disorder, caused by a threat only perceived and not real. When the brain perceives danger, it reacts with biological responses that prepare the body to fight the threat or run away from it.
Sweating is among the most common symptoms of an anxiety attack due to a perceived threat. Nausea. Diarrhea. Dizziness. Chest pain. Fear of losing control of heart palpitations, which feel like the person is about to die.
Numerous instances of anxiety attacks appear without reason. Anxiety attack symptoms peak in 10 minutes, and then subside in 30 minutes or less.
Feeling restless or nervous about keeping up with the fast pace of the 21st-century lifestyle is normal. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. Moments of anxiety help focus attention, energy, and motivation. However, stress can cause feelings of helplessness, confusion, and distress.
Physical anxiety symptoms include extreme fatigue and sleep problems, such as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, waking up early, and not feeling well rested.