‍Anxiety in the workspace and how to overcome it‍

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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 is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder.

Symptoms

• Restlessness and a feeling of being “on-edge”
• Uncontrollable feelings of worry
• Increased irritability
• Concentration difficulties
• Sleep difficulties such as problems in falling or staying asleep

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Types of Anxiety Disorder 

Anxiety disorders now include the following diagnoses:

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Specific phobia:

This is an irrational fear and avoidance of a particular object or situation. Phobias are not like other anxiety disorders, as they relate to a specific cause.

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Agoraphobia: 

This is a fear and avoidance of places, events, or situations from which it may be difficult to escape or in which help would not be available if a person becomes trapped. People often misunderstand this condition as a phobia of open spaces and the outdoors, but it is not so simple. A person with agoraphobia may have a fear of leaving home or using elevators and public transports.

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Generalized anxiety disorder:

This is a chronic disorder involving excessive, long-lasting anxiety and worries about non-specific life events, objects, and situations. GAD is the most common anxiety disorder, and people with this disorder are not always able to identify the cause of their anxiety.

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Causes of Anxiety Disorder

The causes of anxiety disorders are complicated. Many might occur at once, some may lead to others, and some might not lead to an anxiety disorder unless another is present.

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Possible causes include:

• Environmental stressors, such as difficulties at work, relationship problems, or family issues
• Genetics, as people who have family members with an anxiety disorder are more likely to experience one themselves
• Medical factors, such as the symptoms of a different disease, the effects of a medication, or the stress of an intensive surgery or prolonged recovery
• Brain chemistry, as psychologists define many anxiety disorders as misalignments of hormones and electrical signals in the brain
• Withdrawal from an illicit substance, the effects of which might intensify the impact of other possible causes

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Coping Strategies

Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed:

• Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
• Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
• Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest
• Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
• Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
• Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
• Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.

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