What is fear and anxiety?

Knowing the emotions we experience and knowing what emotions we experience in the face of the situation we experience is an important point in terms of awareness. There are various physiological responses that emotions make felt. The physiological effects of emotions on the body can sometimes be similar. For example, it is possible to experience the acceleration of heartbeat, rapid breathing response in fear and anxiety with the same symptoms for different durations. But what is anxiety? What is fear? Knowing in which situations we worry and in which situations we feel fear has an important place in explaining the emotion-thought-behavior triangle. Fear is an acute and rapid response to an unexpected encounter with a very obvious danger. Conscious awareness occurs outside the field. The reactions here are instantaneous. For example, imagine that a stone falls from the roof of a house towards you while walking on the sidewalk. We can give reactions. Sudden acceleration of the heartbeat, sweating, and rapid breathing also accompany our condition as a physiological response. With the disappearance of the danger, our physiological responses gradually return to normal. So how does this process work in anxiety? Anxiety is a mental state caused by signs that danger is approaching. There is no encounter with danger. Muscle tension occurs. There is a feeling of being ‘on edge’. Here is not the danger itself. There is an expectation of danger. It can be triggered by just thinking without a stimulus. It is longer lasting. Again, if we go back to our example, while walking on the sidewalk on the road, there is no danger that ‘if something falls on my head, or if I get hit by a car, or if something throws something on my head, etc.’ Thoughts trigger anxiety. The physiological reactions experienced here are also longer-lasting than fear. When it comes to anxiety disorder; The feeling of anxiety is excessive and constant. In ordinary situations where anxiety should not be experienced, the person feels intense anxiety. People with anxiety disorders are also unable to do their daily work and have a negative impact on their lives. If we briefly summarize the difference between anxiety and fear with our example; When a brick falls on your head from an apartment roof, your reaction is fear. But when you go out, walking in case a brick falls on my head right now is anxiety. Anxiety is actually a normal emotion when balance is present. For example, at the first job interview, before an important presentation, or if a loved one arrives later than expected… Everything moves in balance. We can talk about a psychological disorder when the anxiety, fear, worry becomes excessive and continues with continuity. When it comes to anxiety disorder, it is necessary to get professional support without losing much time and losing life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the most effective option when it comes to anxiety.