Stress affects us all and to a certain extent it is indeed a normal reaction to an intense stimulus or challenge. Have you ever felt breathless, your heart beating too fast, sweating, afraid you will faint or maybe even die? If so, then you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from some form of anxiety.

If we were facing a tiger in front of us then the fight or flight or freeze would automatically kick in. This is a primitive reaction and is related to the evolution of the human species. Our body is preparing itself for survival. However, if we are walking down the street and suddenly our body starts having all the expected defensive reactions with no real danger anywhere, then something else is obviously going on. Let's take generalized anxiety disorder as an example. This affects around 3-5% of the general population at some point in their lifetime. Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by constant, excessive anxiety and uncontrollable worry in various areas accompanied by corresponding psychological and physical symptoms. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Generalized anxiety disorder nowadays is considered one of the most chronic, costly and harmful mental disorders that even comes with social, occupational and economic burden (Tyrer & Baldwin, 2006). In general, the most common physical finding in patients with anxiety disorders is increased muscle tension that may be accompanied by tremors, twitching, muscle aches, sweating, nausea or diarrhea and exaggerated reactions to sudden noises.

This is just one type of anxiety.There is also social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and others. Wherever they come from they can create immense discomfort and make several aspects of our daily lives dysfunctional. Some people have a fear of speaking or eating in front of others in formal and informal settings, which could be individualised into a condition such as social phobia. Some people can't perform when it matters. Just the thought of being criticized or rejected makes them numb! It's really frustrating to have the skills or knowledge or even the ability to be effective and let anxiety stand in the way. Whatever the causes, many people find it difficult to work, socialise and be functional. The feeling of anxiety overwhelms, overwhelms them and they feel their lives are unbearable.