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Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes.​  Anxiety is not the same as fear, but they are often used interchangeably. Anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat, whereas fear is an appropriate, present-oriented, and short-lived response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat.

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Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived threats. However, for aid workers, the unique challenges of the job can intensify these feelings, sometimes leading to anxiety disorders that significantly impact well-being and work performance.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than just every day worries. It's a persistent feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can manifest in various ways. In the context of aid work, anxiety can be triggered by:

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  • High-Stress Environments: Demanding workloads, critical incidents, exposure to trauma (both direct and secondary), and challenging living conditions are common in humanitarian work.

  • Uncertainty and Risk: The unpredictable nature of crises, security concerns, and frequent relocations can create a constant state of worry and hypervigilance.

  • Isolation and Cultural Adjustment: Being away from home and support networks, working in unfamiliar cultures, and experiencing loneliness can contribute to anxiety.

  • Moral Distress: Witnessing suffering, making difficult decisions with limited resources, and grappling with ethical dilemmas can lead to anxiety and a sense of moral injury.

Signs and Symptoms

Emotional:

Excessive and persistent worry or fear

Restlessness and irritability

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Feeling overwhelmed or on edge

 

Physical:

Muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue

Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleep)

Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness

Stomach upset, nausea, changes in appetite

 

Behavioural:

Avoiding certain situations or tasks

Difficulty relaxing or enjoying activities

Increased use of alcohol or other substances to cope

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Types of Anxiety

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An anxiety disorder can present in many different types of ways. Keeping in mind that this list is not all-inclusive, here are five of the most common types of anxiety disorders and how they’re characterized.

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1.  Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is defined by excessive and pervasive fear and worry occurring most days of the week for at least six months. Aside from difficulties controlling these negative thoughts, individuals with GAD may also experience trouble sleeping, restlessness, difficulties with concentration, and irritability.

 

2.  Social Anxiety Disorder

Sometimes referred to as Social Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by irrational fears related to social situations, such as fears of being judged or humiliated or fears of unwittingly offending others. People with Social Anxiety Disorder may avoid social situations as a way to cope, or they may find themselves constantly replaying interactions in their minds after the fact.

 

3.  Separation Anxiety

We often hear about Separation Anxiety as it applies to household pets, but it’s actually a common anxiety disorder in humans, too. People with Separation Anxiety experience significant distress when they are not near to or cannot otherwise reach their loved ones. This distress may devolve into panic attacks, social withdrawal, extreme sadness, or a lack of ability to concentrate until the separation is over.

 

4.  Specific Phobia

Specific Phobia refers to a type of anxiety disorder where a person feels an intense (and often irrational) fear of a certain trigger, such as an object or situation. This fear is generally out of proportion with the actual risk, with common phobias being fear of flying, fear of spiders and other insects, and fear of blood.

 

5.  Panic Disorder

Panic attacks characterize Panic Disorder brought on either unexpectedly or in response to a certain trigger. These attacks can be quite serious and may include heart palpitations, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom. And for those who suffer, fear of the next panic attack can induce a significant amount of additional worry and distress.

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*https://synergyhealthprograms.com/the-5-types-of-anxiety-disorders/

Useful Media on Anxiety

Additional Resourses

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  • Mind: A prominent UK mental health charity offering information, support, and advocacy for individuals experiencing mental health problems.  https://www.mind.org.uk/Anxiety

  • Anxiety UK: A national charity dedicated to supporting those affected by anxiety disorders in the UK.  https://www.mind.org.uk

  • Samaritans: A UK-based charity focused on providing emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide.  https://www.samaritans.org. 

  • NHS Mental Health Services: The UK's National Health Service provides comprehensive information and resources on mental health conditions, including anxiety.  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/​

  • Books:

    • Overcoming Anxiety by Helen Kennerley

    • The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert

    • The Anxiety Solution by Chloe Brotheridge

 

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're struggling with anxiety, you're not alone, and support is available.

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