The definition of anxiety is not simple, as there are a number of anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms can be mild to severe.
There are also many different panic anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and various specific phobias.
And to make things even more complicated, you can have mild anxiety during a brief crisis, or you can have prolonged or chronic anxiety--which can completely disable you.
Anxiety is a state where a person experiences both physical and emotional symptoms that can include:
Nervousness
Fear and apprehension
Worry and concern - more than normal
Physical symptoms
Is Anxiety Normal?
Everyone experiences anxiety in his life, from time to time. For example, most people have some level of fear, apprehension or anxiety before they take an important exam, before a job interview, or before speaking in public.
People often worry (some) about grades, health, family matters, their children, their job, or about finances.
Sometimes a little concern or anxiety can get us moving. It can be the stimulus that helps us solve a problem or initiate action. It can be the force that gives us “drive”.
However, when anxiety becomes intense, and it does not go away over time, it becomes more serious.
The definition of anxiety then can include anxiety disorders. They, in turn, can completely disable an individual--if not brought under control!
So the intensity of anxiety really includes levels of anxiety--from symptoms of mild panic attack to severe and disabling obsessive compulsive disorder.
For mild cases of anxiety, you may be able to deal with your anxiety symptoms by using
stress management techniques
.
For serious anxiety, you may need to seek the help of a mental health professional, and you may need the help of anxiety medication.
More on Anxiety and Anxiety Symptoms
Panic Attack Disorder
Overcoming Panic Attacks
Social Anxiety Disorders
Beck Anxiety Inventory - test your level of anxiety