When Anxiety Becomes a Disorder
Some will claim they have an anxiety disorder, but they may end up having everyday anxiety. On the other hand, others may think their chronic anxiety is something normal. In this post, we will differentiate between regular and chronic anxiety.
First, What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human response to life’s dangers. When you feel anxious, your body may seem restless. You may sweat, feel nausea, or have other symptoms that make you fear off.
Feeling anxious is a natural survival instinct. In modern times, it even has its uses. You may feel anxious for a first date or feel uneasy due to a speech. Some levels of anxiety can help you prepare for significant events.
If you’re anxious about a first date, you may try harder to take care of yourself. If you feel anxious over a test, you may spend extra time studying.
However, if you have excessive anxiety, it may lead to you having mental health issues.
When Anxiety Affects You
The anxiety issue is that many life events can flood your body with it. For instance, the COVID pandemic may fill you with worry, and make it challenging for you to go outside.
Anxiety disorder is the main issue. The anxiety that comes from it tends to be known as problematic anxiety. Usually, this anxiety is based on irrational or chronic experiences, and too much of it may make it difficult to live your life.
You may fear meeting new people, you may stay up at night, and you may have unnatural fears. All this anxiety can lead to you avoiding friends, family, and potential partners.
The Types of Anxiety Disorders
Several different types of anxiety disorders can lead to issues living your life. Here are some of them.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, involves the suffering of having chronic anxiety for six months or more. GAD can occur at any time and sometimes for seemingly no reason at all.
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is when you have obsessions and recurrent thoughts that you do not want. These thoughts come with compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors you perform to try to stop those thoughts. For example, hand washing. Not doing those rituals can lead to you having more anxiety.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is when you have repeated panic attacks, leading to intense feelings of dread and fear.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, happens after a traumatic event. This event may lead to you having an episode of intense anxiety and fear whenever you think of the trauma. PTSD tends to require professional care.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is when you feel anxious doing activities in your daily life. For example, you may have difficulties talking to other people, going outside, or doing other menial tasks.
Anxiety is Treatable
Some anxiety is essential for life, but if you have an anxiety disorder, this may be a cause for you to avoid living life to the fullest.
For an anxiety disorder, a combination of therapy and medication may be the ticket for you to feel better. Online therapy websites such as BetterHelp can allow you to have some peace of mind and get back on the right track.
A therapist may teach you to avoid triggers for your anxiety and guide you to manage your symptoms whenever they come.
In addition, you may be given medication to help manage the symptoms.
There is no shame in getting help if you need it. Talk to a therapist today and see what they can do for you.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.