Lots of people — in fact, most people — feel anxious some of the time. But if anxiousness has a pervasive role in your life, you could be living with an anxiety disorder.
We’re going to talk more about how to tell if you have an anxiety disorder. If you do, don’t worry. First, know that you’re not alone. This is the most common mental health disorder. Secondly, know your situation isn’t permanent. There are a number of different types of treatments that have helped millions of people reclaim their lives from anxious feelings.
What’s the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
The difference between normal feelings of anxiousness and an anxiety disorder comes down to two things: the frequency of anxious feelings and their severity.
For example, most people will feel some level of anxiousness before a big event. But if you routinely feel anxious, even when just going about your normal daily life, that could indicate that you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder.
Severity also plays a role. Does your anxiety make you feel nervous but you’re able to continue with your life, or is it debilitating? If anxiousness prevents you from participating in certain conversations, going certain places, or doing certain things, you could be living with an anxiety disorder.
What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders are characterized by frequent feelings of fear, worry, nervousness, or the sense that something bad is going to happen. People living with this type of disorder often feel stressed and tense. The symptoms aren’t just mental, either. These disorders can lead to a physical response from the body, like an increase in blood pressure, trouble breathing, sweaty palms, digestive problems, or nausea.
What are the different types of anxiety disorders?
There are quite a few different kinds of these disorders. The most common include:
General anxiety disorder (GAD)
The most common anxiety disorder, GAD is characterized by a long-lasting and excessive feeling of anxiousness. You may feel constantly worried or never able to rest since you always feel something bad is about to happen. It’s common for people with GAD to be unable to name the source of their anxious feelings.
Panic disorder
While GAD is a near-constant state, sudden episodes of overwhelming anxiousness mark panic disorder. These are called panic attacks. These panic attacks often come on quickly and without warning.
If you experience a panic attack, know that although your body is having a real physiological response, a panic attack can’t hurt you. It will pass and you will be okay. Focusing on your breathing can help.
Phobias
If a certain trigger causes your anxious feelings, you likely have a phobia. Common phobias include agoraphobia, or a fear of certain places or situations that would make the individual feel trapped, and autophobia, or the fear of being alone.
Separation anxiety
If being separated from a certain person, place, or circumstance triggers anxious feelings, you are likely living with separation anxiety. This disorder is very common for children who feel anxious about being separated from their parents or people in parental roles.
Learning more and getting treatment.
This is just a quick overview of a few of the different types of anxiety disorders. If you want to keep reading to learn more, Mental Health America and the National Institute of Mental Health have great info on their sites.
If you think you’re living with an anxiety disorder, we have good news. We’re here to help you find an effective treatment so you can take your life back. To learn more about what could help — including talk therapy, group sessions, art therapy, and more — contact our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center.
