Anxiety: a lady clad in a bright red dress

Anxiety is a useful defense mechanism that warns us against perceived danger. It brings our body systems in a state of alert by means of certain hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) in order to respond to a threat or fear. Physical reactions like increased heart rate, faster breathing and more muscle tension makes it possible to react quicker.  

Words - Dr Marcel De Roos

Some people are anxious while there is no real danger, but it’s hard for them to ignore it or to let go of the anxiety. When the anxiety gets so involved in a person’s life and situations are being avoided then it’s important to seek professional help. Anxiety has to do with fear of losing control. This can be in different areas like fear of losing control over your body, your thoughts, your behaviour (fear to fail, fear to disappoint others, fear to behave in a certain way, etc.), your environment (fear for judgement of others, fear to faint, fear of a medical illness, etc.). 

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