Anxiety
Definition of Anxiety:
In its simplest form anxiety is a distressed emotion in human mind that is caused by fear and uncertainty about the future. In other words we may say that it is a perturbed state of mind due to a danger or stressful situation. In this condition one starts trembling or sweating and in certain cases the heart beat turns extremely rapid. Anxiety makes the mouth dry and the anxious person feels nausea. [1]
Anxiety
Anxiety in Social Animals:
When our body perceives a threat or danger, it gives a response in the shape of anxiety. It is expressed through biochemical changes that take place in our body. Anxiety largely depends upon not only the personal history of a person but also from the prevalent social situations. Anxiety is an extremely unique experience that can be realized by human beings only. [1] Animals do encounter fear, but they are unaware of the feeling of anxiety, which is practiced by only the social animals i.e., human beings.
Feeling of Anxiety:
Generally human beings remain worried about their future and suffer from the feeling of anxiety. Sometimes a person may be concerned about his past, present or future, which does not necessarily mean an anxiety disorder. Consequently a distinction must be made between the feeling of anxiety and disorder of anxiety. An individual can be anxious without any disorder of anxiety.
Anxiety and Fear:
People generally confuse anxiety with fear, but they are two gigantically different terms. Anxiety is normally a vague threat, which has no physical existence. It can also be referred as an unconscious menace. On the other hand fear is a genuine response to a concrete hazard. Thus anxiety is an emotional state of mind and body which is represented by the feeling of fear. [2]
References:
1. Le Doux, J. E. (1998). The emotional brain. Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London.
2. D. F. Klein, Anxiety (1987).
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