remember - those people we know who don't understand anxiety - it's not their fault....its the media's

So since the media seem to think people with anxiety, and other mental health issues, are all mad crazy psychos who are making it all up...you know the usual nonsense they print...

The reason we get the below symptoms is down to our fight or flight mechanism kicking in. During an attack our body thinks we are in danger so this mechanism sends adrenaline pumping round the body to ensure we are ready to take action. Ever notice that you sweat during an attack? that's to cool the body down, heart thumping? that's to ensure our body is also getting enough blood to the vital organs as we battle this "threat".

well I decided to post a list of symptoms that we may experience....I know I have had a good few of these!

• Increased heart rate
• Increased muscle tension
• “Jelly legs”
• Tingling in the hands and feet
• Hyperventilation (over breathing)
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Wanting to use the toilet more often
• Feeling sick
• Tight band across the chest area
• Tension headaches
• Hot flushes
• Increased perspiration
• Dry mouth
• Shaking
• Choking sensations
• Palpitations

Some of the most common psychological symptoms (the thoughts or altered perceptions we have) of anxiety are:

• Thinking that you may lose control and/or go “mad”
• Thinking that you might die
• Thinking that you may have a heart attack/be sick/faint/have a brain tumour
• Feeling that people are looking at you and observing your anxiety
• Feeling as though things are speeding up/slowing down
• Feeling detached from your environment and the people in it
• Feeling like wanting to run away/escape from the situation
• Feeling on edge and alert to everything around you

**list taken from http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ - please have a look at their website for more help and advice