what is anxiety?

yes, i have this issue... if you ask me when it got started, i don't really remember when...but i think i can guess... and that is after i did a google search on anxiety problem. so, for the benefit of all, do read through...

Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying. These disorders affect how we feel and behave, and they can manifest real physical symptoms. Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating, having a serious impact on daily life.

People often experience a general state of worry or fear before confronting something challenging such as a test, examination, recital, or interview. These feelings are easily justified and considered normal. Anxiety is considered a problem when symptoms interfere with a person's ability to sleep or otherwise function. Generally speaking, anxiety occurs when a reaction is out of proportion with what might be normally expected in a situation.

Cause: Anxiety disorders may be caused by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse, or a combination of these. It is most commonly triggered by the stress in our lives. Usually anxiety is a response to outside forces, but it is possible that we make ourselves anxious with "negative self-talk" - a habit of always telling ourselves the worst will happen.

Symptoms: 

People with anxiety disorders present a variety of physical symptoms in addition to non-physical symptoms that characterize the disorders such as excessive, unrealistic worrying. Many of these symptoms are similar to those exhibited by a person suffering general illness, heart attack, or stroke, and this tends to further increase anxiety. The following is a list of physical symptoms associated with GAD:

• Trembling
• Churning stomach
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Backache
• Heart palpitations
• Numbness or "pins and needles" in arms, hands or legs
• Sweating/flushing
• Restlessness
• Easily tired
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Frequent urination
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Being easily startled

Those suffering from panic disorders may experience similar physical symptoms to those with GAD. They also may experience chest pains, a sense of choking, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Post-traumatic stress disorders have a range of symptoms that are unique to this form of anxiety. Frequent symptomatic behaviors include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares of re-experiencing the trauma
• Avoidance of people, places, and things that are associated with the original event
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Closely watching surroundings (hypervigilance)
• Irritability and diminished feelings or aspirations for the future

Treatment:

Anxiety can be treated medically, with psychological counseling, or independently. Ultimately, the treatment path depends on the cause of the anxiety and the patient's preferences. Often treatments will consist of a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medications.

Sometimes alcoholism, depression, or other coexisting conditions have such a strong effect on the individual that treating the anxiety disorder must wait until the coexisting conditions are brought under control.

• Self Treatment
• Counselling
• Medication

Prevention:

Although anxiety disorders cannot be prevented, there are ways to reduce your risk and methods to control or lessen symptoms. Recommendations include:

• Reducing caffeine, tea, cola, and chocolate consumption.
• Checking with a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter or herbal remedies to see if they contain chemicals that may contribute to anxiety.
• Exercising regularly.
• Eating healthy foods.
• Keeping a regular sleep pattern.
• Seeking counseling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience.
• Avoiding alcohol, cannabis.

some, i copy and paste, but more details, please read here, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/anxiety/