We all experience nervousness, sweaty palms, and rapid heartbeat. Symptoms of anxiety present during many moments in life: job interviews, a first date, giving a public speech. Occasional bouts of mild anxiety are tolerable; however, moderate to severe anxiety leaves us feeling helpless. Understanding the cause and degree of anxiety will help us regain control and seek additional resources.

Mild anxiety occurs when we face something new or we feel slightly inadequate in a situation. This is usually bearable because we expect it. We know a week before a job interview that we will be nervous, so we mentally prepare and spend time choosing the right outfit. Yet, not all anxiety is bearable or expected.

There are no conclusive studies about what causes Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some research suggests that it is the result of a disruption in the body's natural twenty-four hour cycle. Other studies indicate the possibility that changes in brain chemistry may cause its symptoms. SAD may be hereditary since multiple family members sometimes suffer with it.

Anxiety can lash out at any moment. One minute you are washing the dishes, the next, you think you are having a heart attack- your chest tightens and air is no longer breathable. There is no other response to this than panic, which is what it is: a panic attack. Uncontrolled anxiety deals out panic that ultimately haunts us during everyday activities. The experience is so traumatic that we avoid doing normal activities in attempt to avoid another episode. Though it is alarming, it is manageable when we understand the type of anxiety.

The combination of life's stressors can result in general feelings of anxiety, regardless of situation. As the stress overwhelms us, a panic attack ensues. Conquering general anxiety is difficult, but possible when we seek out the underlying problem and methods for relaxation. The first step is assessment of the situation to find the stressors- could be an unhealthy relationship, financial struggles, or internal feelings of inadequacy. Exploration of this is often painful, yet worth the advantage of regaining control.

A phobia is a fear of something. The object(s) of fear vary for each person, but many are common. Most of us are aware of Arachnophobia: fear of spiders. Yet, phobias exist for situations as well as creatures and objects. Agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces; whereas, Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. The thought of overcoming a phobia feels daunting, or even unwanted. Who wants to feel comfortable around spiders? However, we should deal with phobias when they impair our daily activities. The best approach for overcoming a phobia is to face that which causes fear in addition to learned relaxation.

Anxiety leaves us feeling helpless, which can result in obsessive or compulsive behaviors. We may be unable to control the way the boss treats us, but we can control the number of times we wash our hair. We usually know when obsessions are irrational, but we become slaves to our need for control. As with general anxiety, exploration of triggers is essential to overcoming the underlying problem.

We cannot control many stressors in life, such as other people and the demands we face. However, we can learn to control the impact of our anxiety through relaxation techniques. When a panic attack begins, we only have a few seconds to regain control. Deep breathing is crucial. Breathe deeply through your nose, so your stomach distends, and breathe out slowly through the mouth.

Allow yourself time for imagery or meditation. We must fulfill the need for escape to handle everyday stressors. Use positive affirmations when feeling inadequate- tell yourself you can handle the situation.

Help is available. Seek the knowledge and power for overcoming your anxiety through identification of the problem, relaxation methods and therapeutic guidance of a mental help professional.