Signs of Anxiety

Written By Alicia McDougall

What is anxiety? 

Anxiety is a common experience that affects people of all ages. Anxiety triggers our Fight-Flight-Freeze response, which is our body’s natural way of facing dangerous situations. This means that we experience anxiety when we perceive danger that might not be real or our fear is out of proportion for the situation. This fear puts us in a heightened state that causes changes to our bodies, thoughts, and behaviour. 

What can anxiety look like? 

Here are some ways anxiety may present itself:

Physical Changes

  • Increased heart rate 

  • Increased breathing rate or being short of breath

  • Tightness in chest 

  • Increased sweating

  • Digestion issues 

Thoughts 

  • Feeling like there is something wrong 

  • Difficulty concentrating and focusing 

  • “What If” questions

Emotions and Behaviour

  • Aggression or feeling irritated easily 

  • Fidgeting, restlessness, or an urge to escape 

  • Having a sense of danger or panic

  • Shutting down 

    If you are interested in receiving Occupational Therapy services to better manage your anxiety, reach out to Holistic Annex.

Alicia McDougall
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