anxiety

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Definition - What does anxiety mean?

Anxiety is a normal physiological response to stress factors associated with heightened emotional states (i.e., distress, fear), serving as behavioural cues triggered from perceived stimuli. While anxiety operates as a catalyst for handling certain tasks, many individuals must contend with ongoing stress that can be detrimental to their productivity and optimal job performance.

SureHire explains anxiety

For many individuals, anxiety is a debilitating experience with characteristic symptoms including accelerated heart rate, rapid breathing, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances. If left untreated, it can interfere with an individual's quality of life.

Medical experts believe potential culprits for anxiety may stem from environmental conditions, hereditary traits, and neurochemistry. Individuals should consult a doctor when struggling with perpetual episodes of anxiety to determine whether they are potentially suffering from an anxiety disorder such as a panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or any phobias.

Cases of anxiety are often symptomatic of depression, which can, concurrently, amplify the etiological implications connected with mental health disorders, drawing on psychotherapy and prescribed medication alongside lifestyle habits conducive to mitigating the severity of anxiety. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines protecting individuals with mental or physical disabilities to the extent that an applicant or existing employee is qualified to perform essential job tasks, barring reasonable accommodations if necessary.

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