Anxiety sensitivity refers to the fear of anxiety-related sensations. People with high anxiety sensitivity often believe that feeling anxious is harmful. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors and can even trigger panic attacks.

Types of Anxiety Sensitivity

There are generally three types of anxiety sensitivity:

• Cognitive Anxiety Sensitivity: Worrying about mental or cognitive functions. For example, someone might fear that anxiety will make them lose control of their thoughts.
• Physical Anxiety Sensitivity: Fearing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or sweating. This can lead to avoidance of situations that might provoke these symptoms.
• Social Anxiety Sensitivity: Concern about how anxiety might affect social interactions. A person might avoid social situations due to a fear of becoming anxious in front of others.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine Sarah, who has a high level of anxiety sensitivity. Every time she feels her heart racing, she worries she might be having a heart attack. This fear prompts her to avoid exercise and even going to crowded places, where she might feel anxious.

On the other hand, consider Jake, who experiences cognitive anxiety sensitivity. He gets anxious about feeling anxious, particularly when preparing for a presentation at work. He might obsess over how he will think during the presentation, which only increases his level of anxiety.

Steps to Manage Anxiety Sensitivity

1. Recognize Your Triggers: Understand what situations or sensations make you feel anxious. Keeping a journal can help track these triggers.
2. Learn Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga to manage anxiety symptoms. These techniques can help you feel more in control.
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Work on changing the way you think about anxiety. Instead of fearing anxiety sensations, remind yourself that they are temporary and not harmful.
4. Gradual Exposure: Slowly expose yourself to anxiety-inducing situations in a controlled way. This can help desensitize your fear over time.
5. Seek Professional Help: If anxiety sensitivity is impacting your life, consider talking to a psychologist. They can provide tailored strategies and support.

Comparison: Anxiety Sensitivity vs. General Anxiety

While anxiety sensitivity focuses on the fear of feeling anxious, general anxiety refers to excessive worry about various aspects of life. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Anxiety Sensitivity: Fear of anxiety symptoms, leads to avoidance.
• General Anxiety: Worry about everyday issues, may not involve avoidance.

Understanding the differences can help you identify what you are experiencing and how to address it effectively.

Conclusion

Anxiety sensitivity can significantly impact daily life, but with the right strategies and support, it can be managed effectively. By recognizing triggers, practicing relaxation, and seeking help, you can take steps toward feeling more comfortable with anxiety.