Feeling anxious is a normal reaction to stress, and everyone feels anxious from time to time. Sometimes anxiety can even be positive — when it helps motivate you to address a tense situation at work, study harder for an exam, prepare for a new situation, or stay focused on an important task. In general, anxiety helps people cope and doesn't last for very long. But when anxiety becomes excessive, is not appropriate for the situation, or lasts a long time, it can get in the way of your everyday activities and may interfere with how you get along with others.
There are several types of anxiety disorders with a variety of symptoms. Some people have repeated short-term episodes of intense fear called panic attacks, while others have exaggerated worry, tension, and fear most of the time or in everyday social situations. Sometimes, this anxiety can cause physical symptoms like a pounding heart, trouble breathing, trembling, sweating, or being easily startled. Other times, anxiety disorders can include ongoing, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts or changes in behavior.
Common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. No matter the condition you may have, it is important to know that most people who have an anxiety disorder can improve their symptoms through connecting with professional care.
What are the signs of anxiety disorders?A wide variety of symptoms may be signs of an anxiety disorder, some of which may be physical symptoms:
Anxiety disorders often occur along with other mental or physical conditions, including depression or alcohol or drug problems, which may mask anxiety symptoms or make them worse. In some cases, it will be important to treat other problems in order to get the full benefits of anxiety disorder treatment. You may need to work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment before finding the best one for your symptoms.
In addition to getting treatment, you can adjust your lifestyle to help relieve anxiety symptoms. Try to work these into your daily routine:
There are several types of anxiety disorders with a variety of symptoms. Some people have repeated short-term episodes of intense fear called panic attacks, while others have exaggerated worry, tension, and fear most of the time or in everyday social situations. Sometimes, this anxiety can cause physical symptoms like a pounding heart, trouble breathing, trembling, sweating, or being easily startled. Other times, anxiety disorders can include ongoing, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts or changes in behavior.
Common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. No matter the condition you may have, it is important to know that most people who have an anxiety disorder can improve their symptoms through connecting with professional care.
What are the signs of anxiety disorders?A wide variety of symptoms may be signs of an anxiety disorder, some of which may be physical symptoms:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating or cold, clammy hands
- Feeling jumpy or restless
- Trembling, twitching, or shaking
- Having a hard time catching your breath
- Feeling a fullness in the throat or chest
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Having stomachaches or nausea
- Having trouble falling asleep or getting a good night’s rest
- Feeling restless
- Feeling on edge or keyed up
- Being angry or irritable
- Worrying a lot about everyday decisions
- Fearing that something bad is going to happen
- Becoming easily distracted
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling like your mind goes blank
- Finding it hard to do your work or normal activities
- Focusing on what isn't going well or what could go wring
- Frequently avoiding certain places or things
- Drinking or using drugs to numb your feelings
Anxiety disorders often occur along with other mental or physical conditions, including depression or alcohol or drug problems, which may mask anxiety symptoms or make them worse. In some cases, it will be important to treat other problems in order to get the full benefits of anxiety disorder treatment. You may need to work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment before finding the best one for your symptoms.
In addition to getting treatment, you can adjust your lifestyle to help relieve anxiety symptoms. Try to work these into your daily routine:
- Walk, jog, or work out. Physical activity can improve your mood and help you sleep better.
- Eat healthy meals regularly. Good nutrition helps your body and your mind.
- Sleep well. Getting enough quality sleep can help you feel better during the day.
- Practice relaxation techniques. A shower, deep breathing exercises, or time in a quiet place to collect your thoughts can help relieve stress and make you feel more at ease.
- Get involved. Volunteer, join a club, or take up a hobby to share your strengths and wisdom with others.
