What Anxiety Feels Like
Anxiety is something many of us have faced whether it’s a brief moment of nervousness before an event or a persistent worry about what the future holds.
Have you ever experienced your heart racing so fast that you thought it might explode? Or felt your palms sweating profusely just before stepping onto a stage or speaking to a crowd.
We worry about things such as money, food, work but anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. It becomes a problem when it significantly hinder the ability to carry out daily tasks and affect our behavior, relationships, and even our performance at work or in social settings.
For some, it develops into a mental health condition that alters how they view, respond to, and interact with the world.
And its signs are palpable. It often shows up as a racing or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, excessive sweating, trembling, or shaking, constant feeling of danger or impending doom, tingling sensations in fingers or lips, sudden waves of nausea or sickness.
Recent data from the World Health Organization shows that anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly common worldwide, affecting about 4% of the population, with significant rises noted in the United States.
Common Types of Anxiety
Anxiety manifests differently for everyone, and its origins can be intricate and diverse.
There are several types of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety disorder.
Let's explore the common types:
- Panic disorder
Have you experienced your heart racing, or felt a tightness in your chest or stomach? Perhaps you've struggled to catch your breath, or felt dizzy or sweaty? Some individuals may even feel disconnected from reality, as if they’re losing control over their body or thoughts.
If any of this sounds familiar, you might be going through panic attacks, which can be quite distressing.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with generalized anxiety disorder often face ongoing and excessive worry or anxiety that can persist for months or even years. Does it feel like you're always on edge or exhausted, no matter how much rest you get?
Other typical symptoms include trouble concentrating, irritability, and sleep issues. If so, you might be dealing with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Phobic Disorders
Do you find yourself feeling an intense, irrational fear when confronted with certain objects or situations, even when the actual risk is low? This could indicate a phobia. For instance, do you feel a surge of anxiety when you're in high places or peering down from tall buildings? This condition is known as acrophobia, which is the fear of heights.
There are also other common fears, such as claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), or fears related to specific animals.
Those who suffer from these phobias often steer clear of situations that provoke anxiety, but therapy can assist in managing and alleviating these intense feelings.
- Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social situations, often stemming from worries about being embarrassed or judged by others.
This anxiety can interfere with everyday life, making it difficult to engage in work, school, or social events. Treatment usually includes therapy.
Practical Tips to Manage Anxiety
Recognizing your anxiety is the first and most important step in managing it. Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Identify Your Triggers
Take time to reflect on the situations or thoughts that usually lead to your anxiety. Understanding these triggers can help you anticipate and manage your reactions.
2. Start Journaling
Writing about your feelings and experiences can bring clarity and insight. Journaling allows you to track patterns and emotions that might go unnoticed in the moment.
3. Practice Self-Care
- Mindfulness: Engage in activities that keep you grounded, such as meditation or yoga.
- Healthy Habits: Focus on maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.
- Avoid Coping Pitfalls: Be cautious of habits like consuming alcohol or relying on other substances, as these can exacerbate anxiety over time.
4. Seek Professional Help
If your anxiety feels overwhelming, consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor. Professional support can provide you with the tools needed to navigate your journey effectively.
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Source: National Institute of Mental Health, MedlinePlus