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Everyone has anxiety at some point in their life. Anxiety can be good and helpful. However, there is a point at which anxiety can become harmful if it gets in the way of you accomplishing something, rather than helping motivate you to address it.

For example, you have a test or a presentation to do. You feel anxious about it, so you prepare for it. You still feel some anxiety when taking the test or during the presentation, but you get through it and the outcome is relative to the amount of work that you put into it. This is normal and an example where anxiety is useful.

However, imagine the same scenario with a test or a presentation, but you are so anxious that when you try to prepare for it, you are not productive because you continually think about what could go wrong, or it makes you so anxious that you cannot tolerate it, so you avoid it. Then you are unprepared and do worse because of the anxiety. Or maybe you were able to prepare but when the test or presentaion day arrives, you are so anxious that you have trouble focusing or you can't remember things you normally would have known. This is too much anxiety to the level of it being a problem.

We all worry at times, but are you known as a worrier? If so, you may have a type of anxiety referred to as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This is worrying without a good reason and to degree that interferes with your quality of life.

Life has worries and worry serves some purpose to motivate us to plan ahead and be proactive and safe. However, when worry gets out of control, it can be harmful. If the worrying interferes with sleep, social relationships, daily activities or quality of life, then it is likely that there is a problem.

Symptoms Include:

- Excessive Worrying
- Upset Stomach
- Difficulties Falling Asleep
- Panic Attacks
- Muscle Tension

There are also physical health problems that can present as anxiety! Problems with levels of hormones can cause anxiety, so see your doctor to find out if you may have a medical reason for the anxiety.

There are lots of good treatments for anxiety. They include medications, and different types of therapies.