What is anxiety?

Today, many young people commonly experience feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. How to recognise and deal with these issues is an important step towards developing a healthy mind.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is when a person feels uneasy or has worries or is fearful about something.

What causes anxiety?

There are many causes of anxiety. Some of the causes could include:

• stress at school/work

• financial pressures

• emotional trauma - like bereavement

• experiencing a serious medical illness

Anxiety can be mild and experienced by most people at some point in their lifetime. For example, like how a person feels the night before doing an exam or when preparing for a job interview. However, anxiety for some people can be severe and even take over a person's life.

What are the consequences of anxiety?

Anxiety can affect people in different ways. People can be affected physically and emotionally.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS

Write down one cause of anxiety. (1mark)

Stress at work/school/home

Explain two causes of anxiety. (4 marks)

Stress at School or Work: High demands and pressures in academic or professional settings can lead to feelings of unease and worry, contributing to anxiety. (2 marks)

Emotional Trauma: Experiences such as bereavement can cause significant emotional distress, leading to anxiety. (2 marks)

Explain two consequences of anxiety. (4 marks)

Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can cause headaches, stomachaches, and a fast heartbeat, affecting daily life. (2 marks)

Emotional Impact: Anxiety leads to fear and worry, which can result in depression and difficulty enjoying life. (2 marks)

You should also read:

Anxiety: Effects on a person's emotional health

Anxiety: Effects on a person's physical health

Dealing with anxiety