Mood and Anxiety

Types of Anxiety

There are many types of anxiety problems:

a strong fear of a certain object or situation, such as being terrified of heights or being in a social situation
a fear of embarrassing yourself in public or worrying that someone will judge you negatively
general ongoing worry and a constant feeling of uneasiness and having trouble relaxing
ongoing thoughts and feelings associated with a traumatic event
replaying thoughts over and over again
doing repetitive behaviours (e.g., counting or washing hands many times) that seem to help stop the anxiety
sudden feelings of terror that may include a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, fear of having a heart attack or stroke, or feel that you’re going "crazy"

If not managed, anxiety can get worse, become overwhelming, cause a lot of distress, and affect your life.

Learning how to manage anxiety early can help prevent it from getting in the way of things you want to do. If you think you have issues with anxiety, don't wait to get help.

Current as of: March 16, 2016

Author: Youth and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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