Anxiety Disorder Resource Centre

What is Stress?

• Stress Management Fact Sheet

Assess your Stress
 

• Interested in finding out more information on your stress level and what to do about it?  Click here.

Reprinted with permission of the Alberta Mental Health Board.
 © 2005  Alberta Mental Health Board.  All rights reserved.

What is Anxiety?
 

Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations.  It is natural and appropriate to become anxious when facing situations such as an interview, performance appraisal or new relationship. Most people become more anxious during times of increased demands and these feelings can help us prepare for change. Fear is similar to anxiety, but is more focused upon a situation. Our fear response can help us increase safety when facing physical or other types of danger. Some of the signs of an anxious or fearful response include physical signs such as a racing heart or increased sweating, thoughts such as “I won’t be able to manage” or “I’ll need to prepare” and behaviors such as coping or avoidance. 

While some anxiety is normal, anxiety disorders affect about 12% of Canadians every year.  Anxiety disorders are different from everyday anxiety in that the anxiety is longer lasting, more intense and leads to problems that interfere with everyday life.  People can become afraid of situations or objects that do not seem to make sense to others.  Phobias involve fear and avoidance that is disproportionate to the situation.  To obtain more information about Anxiety Disorders, Click here.

What's New!
 

Dr. Gene Flessati
City TV's Breakfast Television
 

This material is designed for information purposes only.  It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction
 and/or treatment.  If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate mental health professional.
This site is intended primarily for adults interested in learning about anxiety disorders.