Nervousness is a common psychological phenomenon that manifests as physical, cognitive, and emotional responses to perceived threats. It is the body’s natural response to fear or stress, and it can often be beneficial in certain situations (Hofmann & Sawyer, 2011). However, when the nervous response is exaggerated or prolonged, it can become a problem. This article reviews the causes, effects, and treatments of nervousness.
Causes of Nervousness
Nervousness is typically triggered by fear or stress. This can stem from a variety of sources, including physical danger, social threat, or a challenging situation (Hofmann & Sawyer, 2011). Other potential causes include low self-esteem, poor coping skills, or a history of traumatic experiences (Alvarez-Jimenez et al., 2019).
Effects of Nervousness
When someone is feeling nervous, they may experience a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physically, these can include increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension. Cognition can be impaired, leading to difficulty concentrating and slowed reaction time. Emotionally, people may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or irritable (Hofmann & Sawyer, 2011).
Treatments for Nervousness
There are a variety of treatments available for nervousness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective. This approach helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, while also teaching effective coping skills (Alvarez-Jimenez et al., 2019). Other treatments include mindfulness-based interventions, relaxation techniques, and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Conclusion
Nervousness is a common psychological phenomenon that is triggered by fear or stress. It can manifest as physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Treatments for nervousness include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, relaxation techniques, and medications.
References
Alvarez-Jimenez, M., Bhattacharyya, S., Hetrick, S. E., Bendall, S., & Gleeson, J. F. (2019). Systematic review of psychological treatments for anxiety disorders in young people. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2123-5
Hofmann, S. G., & Sawyer, A. T. (2011). The experience and treatment of anxiety disorders. In J. D. Wright (Ed.), International encyclopedia of social and behavioral sciences (2nd ed., pp. 535–540). Oxford, UK: Elsevier.