UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
Anxiety is often triggered by stress in our lives and being too focused on the future. We can also make ourselves anxious with “negative self-talk” – a habit of always telling ourselves the worst will happen. Some of us are more vulnerable to anxiety than others, but even those who become anxious can learn ways to manage it well and become more present.
As well as feeling apprehensive and worried (possibly without knowing why), you may experience some of the following physical symptoms:
It is easy to mistake symptoms of anxiety for physical illness and become worried that you might be suffering a heart attack or stroke. This of course increases anxiety.
We all become anxious from time to time. It becomes a problem when it interferes with life in the absence of real threat, or goes on too long after the danger has past.
Avoiding situations that make you anxious might help you feel better in the short term. The trouble is the anxiety keeps returning, and has a habit of spreading to other situations. This can lead to you avoiding things like shops, crowded places, lectures or tutorials. So although avoidance makes you feel better–
Anxiety can be exhausting and debilitating. Don’t suffer alone for too long. It often helps to talk to a counselor who can help you find ways to deal with stress in your life and teach you skills to manage anxiety. To meet with a counselor, please call Counseling Services at 715-425-3884.
Special thanks to Massey University Counseling Center for this content.
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Self-Help Resources: Anxiety
Breathing Exercises: Guide for individuals experiencing anxiety
HELPGUIDE.org Information on anxiety issues
Page updated Summer 2021 by Kaleah Bautch, MS, LPC. Kaleah is a Personal Counselor in Student Health and Counseling at University of Wisconsin – River Falls.