What Is Anxiety?

In my opinion, overuse of the word “anxiety” in modern day parlance is leading to a general apathy towards, and misunderstanding of, folks who actually suffer an anxiety disorder.

Everyone feels anxious now and then – it’s a common human emotion. You may be worried about an issue at work, before taking an exam, before making an important decision.

Anxiety disorders are different.

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses, and the distress they cause can put a serious dent in your ability to lead an everyday existence.

Debilitating fear, relentless worrying, feelings of overwhelm and loss of control, panic attacks, exhaustion – these are all obstacles that folks who suffer anxiety disorders have to overcome.

What types of anxiety disorder are there?

You can group anxiety disorders into 4 main groups:

• Panic disorder:terror that can, quite literally, strike at random. Heart palpitations, sweating profusely, chest pain, choking – these are all very real, physical symptoms of a panic attack
• Social anxiety disorder or social phobia:overwhelming rumination and worry with attendant self-consciousness about everyday social situations – very real fears of being judged, embarrassed or ridiculed.
• Specific phobias:an intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as public speaking or spiders – sufferers may proactively avoid situations that risk placing them in the path of these things. Panic attacks can ensure if they do.
• Generalized anxiety disorder:excessive, unrealistic worry and tension everything and anything without reason.

Anxiety Symptoms

All anxiety disorders share some common, general symptoms:

• Panic, fear, and worry
• Tense muscles
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia

The experience of these symptoms on a regular basis can lead to exhaustion, low self-esteem, loneliness, and hopelessness. They can, in short, lead to depression which is often experienced hand in hand with anxiety.

In my next article in this anxiety relief series, I’ll explore what causes anxiety and panic attacks...

How about learning how to calm yourself in times of rising stress levels? Take a 2 minute chill.