Most people have experienced anxiety at one time or another. Anxiety is normal and can be caused by any stressful life event. If you’ve ever had a big presentation at work, had a major expense due, gone through a divorce, or received bad news about a friend or family, you’ve probably experienced anxiety.
Sometimes, anxiety can get in the way of your everyday routine. When anxiety gets in the way, you may feel your heart rate increase and you may feel a sudden, intense sense of fear. Everyone experiences anxiety, but when it happens frequently and disproportionately you may have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders can impact your relationship with your colleagues, spouse, friends and family, and can interfere with your ability to function in your everyday life. Anxiety disorders can cause panic attacks, which are unpleasant episodes of sudden intense fear that comes to a head within minutes.