Anxiety’s Sneak Attack
While anxiety can set in when we encounter severe forms of stress (i.e., being mugged); it most often occurs without any visible stressor and can strike chronically and suddenly at the most inopportune moments (i.e., on a social outing), without any neither notice nor explanatory reason, resulting in an anxiety attack.

Common Reactions to Stress
We are all familiar with the common symptoms or reactions to stress. Once the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline hormone, the fight or flight response kicks in causing a rise in blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, dilated pupils, perspiration, tense muscles, headache, and irritability. Again, these symptoms will subside when the stressor disappears.

Reactions to Anxiety
Reactions to anxiety, on the other hand, often differ from person to person and linger long after the source of stress is removed (or occur for no apparent reason at all).
However, a feeling of impending doom is shared among many anxiety sufferers who also report intense fear or panic, the urge to escape, tightening throat, shortness of breath, flushing to the face and neck, confusion, lightheadedness, unsteadiness or vertigo, chest and head tightness, hot and cold chills, jitters, nausea, sweating, rapid heart beat, and even fainting or vomiting.

Emily Lockhart
Emily Lockhart is a weight loss expert who specializes in healthy living. She is dedicated to providing health-conscious individuals with the information they need to make great lifestyle choices that will make them look and feel better. In her spare time, Emily teaches Pilates at a local studio and enjoys activities like hiking, rowing and biking.