What is anxiety? Many people today who are faced with anxiety difficulty find themselves asking the same question. The definition of anxiety is the impression of worry, fear, or apprehension when you have to cope with the unknown.

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

With this definition of anxiety, you will see that anxiety is not all a dire thing. The idea of survival of the fittest has indicated that our bodies instinctively respond to anxiety by making us sweat, increasing our heart rate, and drying out our mouth. Your body has instinctual coping mechanisms for stressful situations.

How Does Anxiety Lead to Problems?

Anxiety can become a major obstacle in your life when you feel apprehensive or anxious for no specific reason. Psychological anxiety is more severe than everyday anxiety, and this may be your problem if your worries interfere with your day-to-day life.

What are the Characteristics of Mental or Emotional Anxiety?

Psychological anxiety is characterized by symptoms such as:

• it is not effortless for you to either fall asleep or remain sleeping

• feeling uneasy or anxious most of the time

• irritability

• lethargy

• difficulty concentrating

• you are afraid you are losing your mind

• you feel set-apart from your friends, family, and job

When there are complications, anxiety tends to grow worse. Sometimes, anxiety can occur alongside other psychological conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression. Individuals who suffer from these kinds of psychological problems need to be evaluated for the possibly of hurting themselves or someone else, and for the instinct to commit suicide.

Origins of Anxiety

I have psychological anxiety--what caused it? Anxiety can often be the initial symptom of some other disorder, such as depression or dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Usually, anxiety is caused by one of these four things:

• Heredity - Anxiety disorders seem to run in families.

• Brain Chemistry - It may be caused by the usage of substances like ecstasy, LCD or the withdrawal from long-term intake of medicines like tranquilizers - all of which alter the levels of chemicals present in the brain.

• Personality - People with low self-regard and those who are unable to cope with stress factors have been found to be more prone to anxiety.

• Exposure to Certain Factors -- Abuse, violence, and poverty often lead to such individuals developing anxiety. Losing a loved one or suffering through a similar experience can also lead to anxiety.

I have anxiety -- now what?

What is anxiety and how can it be treated? You can not properly address your anxiety if you have not been correctly diagnosed in the first place. Anxiety can be managed and treated through certain methods. Some people may have to take medication to control their anxiety, but others can deal with their problem through counseling or just learning techniques to help them relax.