Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder You May Not Know
We’ve all been there - the moments of mild anxiety before a big event: a job interview, an important exam, or even a public speaking engagement. These moments of stress are completely natural. They are, after all, our body’s way of preparing us for upcoming challenges by heightening our alertness and focus. But what happens when these moments of anxiety become more frequent and intense and start to interfere with our daily lives? Well, that's when things take a turn from "normal" to potentially problematic. Anxiety symptoms can sometimes spiral into something more significant: an anxiety disorder.
If you’re finding it hard to perform daily tasks because of overwhelming fear or constant worry, it’s time to take a closer look. Anxiety disorder symptoms are real, and they affect millions of people around the world. So, if you or someone you know is experiencing signs of anxiety disorder, seeking help from a mental health professional is a crucial step. Let's dive into what anxiety is, how it manifests, and why anxiety symptoms in women are sometimes different from men’s.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress or uncertainty, characterised by feelings of fear or worry. It's the body’s way of preparing for perceived challenges. However, when anxiety symptoms become persistent, excessive, or out of proportion to the situation, it can turn into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are more than just an occasional bout of nerves - they are long-lasting, often affecting one’s thoughts, behaviour, and even physical health.
In fact, anxiety disorders are a leading cause of mental health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015 alone, India had over 38 million people diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Fast forward to the post-pandemic world, and the global number has ballooned to an estimated 374 million individuals struggling with anxiety. Yes, you read that right: 374 million. That's nearly five times the population of the United States. This surge in anxiety cases highlights just how pervasive and urgent this issue has become.
What are 5 common symptoms of anxiety disorder?
When it comes to anxiety, the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. For some, the symptoms may be predominantly physical; for others, they may be mental or even cognitive. And while everyone experiences anxiety occasionally, an anxiety disorder is marked by symptoms that are chronic, overwhelming, and often debilitating. Let’s break down the most common symptoms.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Did you know that the physical symptoms of anxiety can be easily mistaken for the signs of a severe underlying disease? Symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath are often associated with heart attacks, but they can actually be caused by anxiety. Here’s a deeper dive into the physical symptoms:
1. Increased Heart Rate and Chest Pain: Anxiety can trigger your body's fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline, which speeds up your heart rate. This can cause chest tightness or discomfort, often confused with a heart attack.
2. Excessive Sweating: When you're anxious, your body activates its stress response, leading to sweating, even in situations where others would feel normal. It’s your body's way of preparing to fight or flee.
3. Dizziness: Anxiety can create a feeling of lightheadedness or imbalance, especially in crowded or high-stress environments. It may feel like the world is off-centre, but it’s usually just the mind reacting to stress.
4. Trembling or Shaking: Anxiety can cause uncontrollable shaking, particularly in stressful situations like public speaking or confronting fears. This physical reaction is your body preparing for perceived danger.
5. Upset Stomach: Anxiety affects the gastrointestinal system, often causing nausea, diarrhoea, or bloating. These digestive issues arise when anxiety disrupts the normal functioning of the gut.
Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety doesn’t just affect the body; it also plays a significant role in shaping our emotions and thoughts. Let’s take a closer look at the emotional symptoms of anxiety disorder:
1. Constant Fear and Worry: One of the hallmark emotional symptoms of anxiety is persistent, excessive worrying about everyday situations. Even when there’s no real threat, fear can feel all-consuming.
2. Inability to Relax: Anxiety can prevent your mind from shutting off, leaving you in a constant state of restlessness. Even in quiet, calm environments, the feeling of being on edge remains.
3. Avoidance of Social Situations: People with anxiety often avoid places or situations that may trigger discomfort or panic. For example, you might avoid large crowds or certain social gatherings, fearing you won't be able to cope.
4. Social Isolation: Anxiety, particularly social anxiety, can make everyday interactions feel daunting. This can lead to withdrawing from social activities or avoiding new people, resulting in loneliness.
5. Irrational Fears and Catastrophic Thinking: Anxiety can cause you to imagine worst-case scenarios, even in normal, low-risk situations. You might overestimate dangers, worrying about things that are highly unlikely to happen.
What thoughts are associated with anxiety?
Individuals with anxiety often experience certain recurring thoughts that can reinforce their worries:
- “Something terrible is about to happen.”
- “This constant worry is driving me crazy.”
- “I can never trust anyone.”
- “I’m not safe.”
- “I’ve been in an accident before - it could happen again.”
These intrusive thoughts are part of the vicious cycle that anxiety creates. They not only increase the sense of fear but also impair a person’s ability to think clearly and make rational decisions.
What is the 333 rule for anxiety?
If you're feeling anxious and your mind is racing a mile a minute, try the 333 rule - a grounding technique that helps you snap out of that anxiety spiral and bring you back to the present moment. It’s super simple, and trust us, it works.
Here’s how it goes:
1. Look around and name 3 things you can see. Maybe it's a cosy chair, a painting on the wall, or the coffee cup in front of you; anything that’s right there with you at the moment.
2. Listen carefully and pick out 3 sounds. Could be the hum of the fridge, a car passing by, or even the wind rustling outside. Just tune into whatever you can hear.
3. Move 3 parts of your body. Wiggle your fingers, tap your feet, or roll your shoulders. It’s all about getting your body involved to break the anxiety loop.
This technique is so easy to do anywhere, anytime, and it can really help you feel more grounded when anxiety starts to take over.
And, speaking of anxiety, did you know that nearly 40 million Indians suffer from anxiety disorders each year? That’s a lot of people who could probably use the 333 rule in their toolkit!
Next time stress starts creeping in, give this method a go. It’s like a mini reset button for your brain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1) What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is usually tied to specific events, like a big presentation or deadline, and fades when the event passes. Anxiety, on the other hand, often sticks around even when there’s no clear reason for it. Anxiety can feel like stress that never fully “turns off.”
Q.2) How is life with anxiety?
Life with anxiety can be tough, but it’s totally manageable. Some days are harder than others, but with the right tools - like knowing your triggers and leaning on supportive friends - you can keep it in check. Anxiety may pop up uninvited, but it doesn’t have to run the show.
Q.3) How to accept anxiety?
Accepting anxiety is like making peace with an annoying roommate. Notice it, acknowledge it, but don’t let it take over. When you stop fighting against it, you’ll find you can actually live with it, and it loses some of its power over you.
Q.4) What is the best treatment for anxiety?
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, but a combo of therapy (especially CBT), lifestyle tweaks, and sometimes medication can be game-changing. It’s all about finding what clicks for you - whether it’s deep breathing, yoga, journaling, or talking it out with a pro.
Q.5) Can anxiety go away on its own?
Sometimes, anxiety can lessen over time, especially if it’s related to a temporary situation. But if it sticks around and starts impacting your daily life, it’s a good idea to get support - don’t wait for it to vanish on its own!
Q.6) Is it normal to have anxiety every day?
Daily anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it’s more common than you might think. If it’s impacting your quality of life, there are ways to get it under control. Therapy, self-care, and sometimes medication can all help make daily anxiety manageable.
Take a breath; you’ve got this!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, it’s essential to recognise that you're not alone. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and seeking help is the first step towards recovery. Whether it’s through therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, there are numerous ways to manage anxiety effectively. Never hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional who can guide you toward finding a treatment plan that works best for you.
Remember, anxiety does not define you, and with the right support and coping strategies, you can regain control over your life.
References
1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6532460/#ref3
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
