So what exactly is anxiety?

So what exactly is anxiety?

Anxiety is a body’s reaction to stress, potential dangers, and things that sometimes we don’t have control over however we may have some concerns about.  Anxiety affects each of us in some similar ways and others in very different ways.  Symptoms of anxiety can range for mental along with physical symptoms.  We may feel on edge, somewhat fatigued, sweating, our heart may feel like it is racing out of our chest.  Sometimes we have a very difficult time controlling the things we worry about.  Others may feel a send of irritability and often will have a difficult time remembering things.  Just to name a few.

 Anxiety can be diagnosed in childhood all the way up through adulthood but can occur at any age and at anytime during our lifetime. Research has shown that there are many factors that contribute to anxiety which may include environmental stressors, family history of mental illness or anxiety, extreme shyness during childhood and other stressors outside of these can contribute to anxiety.

 What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. It’s a normal response to stress or perceived danger and can be helpful in certain situations, such as preparing for a test or avoiding risky behavior. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, or interferes with daily life, it may be considered an anxiety disorder.

What are the key features of anxiety?

• Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, or stomach issues.

• Emotional symptoms: Restlessness, irritability, dread, or feeling overwhelmed.

• Cognitive symptoms: Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or catastrophic thinking.

• Behavioral symptoms: Avoidance of feared situations, compulsive behaviors, or seeking constant reassurance.

 What are the types of anxiety disorders:

·         Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic worry about various aspects of life.

·         Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense physical symptoms.

·         Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.

·         Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations.

·         Separation Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being apart from attachment figures.

·         Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are also related but have distinct criteria.

 How do I know when worry has crossed the line to being clinical anxiety?

1. Excessive

• The level of worry is out of proportion to the actual situation.

• It persists even when there’s no clear reason or danger.

2. Persistent

• The anxiety lasts for weeks or months (typically 6 months or more in the case of Generalized Anxiety Disorder).

• It doesn’t come and go quickly like normal stress or nervousness might.

3. Disruptive

• It interferes with your daily life, like work, school, relationships, or social activities.

• You might avoid certain situations or responsibilities just to reduce the anxiety.

4. Accompanied by Physical or Cognitive Symptoms

• Trouble sleeping, fatigue, restlessness, muscle tension, or digestive issues.

• Racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, or constantly anticipating the worst.

5. Difficult to Control

• You feel like you can’t turn the worry off, even when you know it’s irrational.

• Reassurance from others doesn’t help much or only helps temporarily.

 Here’s a simple way to think about it:

·         Occasional anxiety is like a smoke detector going off when you burn toast.

·         Clinical anxiety is the alarm blaring constantly—even when there’s no fire.

If you or someone you know is experiencing this kind of ongoing, intrusive anxiety, it might be time to talk to a mental health professional. Therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be highly effective, and in some cases, medication can help too.

So, what are some of those "worrying" signs that might indicate clinical anxiety? Keep an eye out for these:

• Persistent and Excessive Worry: This isn't just worrying about one thing; it's a constant stream of anxious thoughts about various aspects of your life, even when there's little or no reason to worry. It can feel like your mind is a runaway tumbleweed.

• Restlessness or Feeling On-Edge: That jittery feeling that makes it hard to relax, like you've had one too many iced coffees on a hot day.

• Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired, even when you've had enough sleep. Anxiety can be mentally and physically draining.

It's important to remember that experiencing one or two of these symptoms occasionally doesn't necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder. However, if you're experiencing several of these symptoms regularly and they're significantly impacting your daily life, it's a good idea to seek professional support.