Anxiety = "A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome."

Anxiety is a funny thing. I think most people don't realise how much it can affect a person's reaction to perfectly normal situations like being late on a bus, cleaning a house in time for guests- time-paced things. Anxiety can be caused by so many occurances- childhood experiences, phobias, stress, depression and basically, a variety of psychological and physical causatives. The effects vary on a person's ability to cope under pressure and the proficiency to relax. The general public don't realise how much it can seriously affect people- leading them to hypertension (high blood pressure) and even chronic heart disease and . So it's a great idea to recognise when a person is anxious and when to tell them to get help.

Before that, I'd like to explain why I've decided to blog about this issue. I recently received my AS-Level results for January exams, (generally the first unit of all qualifications) and I have not failed any of them. I've taken Chemistry- which I am good at in class. Sadly, when the exam season took place, my levels of anxiety increased dramatically. During the exam, about the 2nd question, my breathing increased, I felt dizzy, terrified and wanted to run out screaming and crying. I couldn't concentrate. Beforehand, I had revised enough to give me the essential knowledge to get a great grade. Yet the anxiety attacked outrightly and caught me off-guard. The rest of the exam went bad and well, I tried to calm down for the rest of it but generally couldn't. I got an "e" for it which I am disappointed about. I know I  could have done a lot better if I had not become so anxious. For those in exams, or are going to do their A-Levels or equivilent in other countries, ensure you take steps to prevent this if you have a nervous, anxious nature. I have a lot of pressure coming up in May/June with the added resit for Chemistry but this time I will be prepared.

So, what can you do?

1) Realise when you are becoming more and more stressed- or someone you know is.

Sounds ridiculous, right? But most people think it's pretty normal to become very stressed before exams. I knew most of my friends were stressed and I knew I was coping with it as it built up. I was overally stressed out- my appetite left me momentarily (I still ate but not as much. This is noticable from how a person will normally eat e.g. usually eats chips at lunch but misses it or buys it and throws more away. This could be that the person has decided to have less chips or go on a diet but to check, offer them something to eat. If they don't take it, ask why. You'll find out easier like that). I also became a little ill more frequently. (There is a reason for stressed people to become more ill. Chronic- [long term]- Stress produces a hormone [chemical in the blood] called cortisol which compresses and slows down the immune system [the system that kills bugs that cause illness such as the cold]. The less it works, the more likely you are to become ill).

2) Take time off from work/revision/homework/coursework etc to sit back, do nothing and just relax.

Some people might decide to go on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram (other social network sites etc) and in our cases, look at our favourite Korean/Japanese/Chinese/Asian singers and just basically do something to distract them and make them forget their troubles. It might work for some people,  but for others, it just doesn't work out. You end up remembering the assignment, you remember the exam you have or the work you have to hand in- what ever it may be. The best idea is to exercise, (This produces serotonin which is basically another hormone that makes your mood better. On the positive side of exercise, you can become healthier and fitter!) do yoga, take a long, hot, bubbly bath, take stretches, take a nap, go for a walk.... the possibilites are endless in that sense- away from technology, work and people. (Sounds emo-like to stay away from people, heck, it might help stressed-out people to talk, but it's better to just go for a simple walk without anyone to talk to, take in the breeze and feel good). Then you'll feel better enough to tackle the obstacle in your path at that moment in time.

3) Ask for help - a therapist, GP, friends, parents, tutor, siblings, friends...

It's better to talk about it if it become unbearable. When it's a big block in your way, talking about it will make it seem more bearable and dealable. You'll have people to talk to who may give you the best moral support and advice. You could even suffer an anxiety disorder that can be eased with help from a person who can calm you down. This isn't a bad thing. (Personally, I have never been to a therapist, but I have a lot of support with family and friends so if you don't have the confidence to open up to personal people, going to your doctor or the school therapist will help you a lot). If you let it build up to the point of physical sickness, it really won't help you. You'll need to release it to someone- one way or another.

I just felt like expressing my views. I'm stressed and I feel anxious myself but it's improving so I want to help people in the same boat as me. Hope it helps. If you have any advice yourself, mention in the comments below! You might help someone else ^.^