(Extract from the Mind publication "Understanding Anxiety")

'A job interview usually makes me feel so on edge that I do not sleep the night before.  But probably if I didn't feel the adrenalin pumping through me or if I didn't feel nervous, I wouldn't do so well.'

'I stopped giving dinner parties because I just couldn't bear the anxiety about getting everything ready in time.  It sometimes got so bad that I'd start worrying days before the event.'

'I can never look forward to a holiday in the sun as it involves flying.  It just doesn't suit me.  I get clammy hands, my heart races, I feel claustrophobic, and sometimes I just panic and want to escape'. What is anxiety?

Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time.  Most people can relate to feeling tense, uncertain and perhaps fearful at the thought of sitting an exam, going into hospital, attending an interview or starting a new job.  You may worry about feeling uncomfortable, appearing foolish or how successful you will be.  In turn, these worries can affect your sleep, appetite and ability to concentrate.  If everything goes well the anxiety will go away.

Short term anxiety can be useful.  Feeling nervous before an exam can make you feel more alert and enhance your performance. However, if the feelings of anxiety overwhelm you, your ability to concentrate and do well may suffer. Fight or flight

Anxiety and fear are actually important for survival because they act as a mechanism to protect the body against stress or danger. Anxiety and fear trigger the release of hormones such as adrenalin.  Adrenalin causes your heart to beat faster in order to carry the blood to where it is most needed.  You breathe faster to provide extra oxygen, which is needed for energy.  You sweat to prevent overheating.  Your mouth may feel dry as your digestive system slows down to allow more blood to be deflected to your muscles. Your senses become heightened and your brain becomes more alert.  The changes enable the body to take action and protect itself in a dangerous situation, either by running away or fighting a foe.  It is known as the 'fight or flight' reaction.  Once the danger has passed, other hormones are released which may cause you to shake as your muscles start to relax.

The response is useful for protecting you against physical dangers. However, your body reacts in the same way to situations that you find threatening but cannot deal with appropriately by fighting or running away. Situations like this may include public speaking, a driving test or having a blood test.

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