It may be common for some people to experience a a certain degree of anxiety right before taking an important exam, or before going for a big job interview, or going to the dentist. They may feel nervous or a little muscular tension. Their body may be responding to their thoughts of a fearful situation, or an impending danger and reacting with anxiety. Some additional responses from anxiety may possibly include: restlessness, sleep disturbances, fatigue and irritability.
People that have generalized anxiety may have ongoing, persistent feelings of fear and experience chronic anxiety symptoms. There are many stressors in life which may cause anxiety.
To read more about psychology, you may wish to visit my Psychology Concepts blog which includes information regarding the following topics: obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, social phobias, agoraphobia, panic attacks, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, relaxation techniques, everyday stress, and some helpful tips on how to get good sleep.
I will list some common stressors that may cause anxiety. It is important to note that many things that cause change in our life, even if it is a “good change” may cause some anxiety.
Experiencing a chronic or acute illness
Marriage
Divorce
Losing a job
Changing to a new job
Moving into a new house or new town
Family illness or death of a loved one
Going off to college for the first time
Too much work to do, along with an overload of personal and professional responsibilities
An accident or traumatic event
Poor health
Financial problems
College graduation
Negative thoughts and perceived fears can possibly influence our nervous system. It makes sense that changing negative thoughts to positive thoughts may help to control anxiety. Albert Ellis developed the rational-emotive cognitive theory, which involved teaching the person to change their negative, maladaptive thinking to positive assumptions, which helped them to cope with stress. People can replace their negative mental statements to positive, coping affirmations.
Research has shown that relaxation training may also be helpful to reduce anxiety. The theory behind this technique is that physical relaxation should lead to psychological relaxation. The person is taught to relax at their own will to help calm themselves when they are starting to experience any anxiety symptoms. I read that meditation may also be helpful to produce feelings of calmness.