Do I Have An Anxiety Disorder?
Experiencing anxiety every once in a while is perfectly normal. These feelings can occur in uncertain situations, like a job interview, before giving a presentation, or during a confrontation. When anxiety becomes severe, lasting, and hinders daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Do I Have An Anxiety Disorder?
What are anxiety disorders, and how do you know if you have one?
Below, we’ll clarify the distinction between typical anxiety and anxiety disorders. This can aid you in deciding whether it’s necessary to seek assistance from a mental health professional.
What Is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders involve specific mental health conditions marked by intense fear or worry. Of all the mental disorders, anxiety disorders are the most common type among Americans.
Everyone has physical and mental responses to a perceived threat, regardless of the kind of anxiety disorder. However, symptoms can differ significantly from person to person.
Types Of Anxiety Disorders
The following are examples of the most commonly experienced anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders can include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Specific types of phobias, such as agoraphobia and claustrophobia
Subset Anxiety Disorders
Do you grapple with persistent and overwhelming worry or fear in response to a specific object or situation? You may be dealing with specific phobias. Specific phobias involve an intense and irrational fear and anxiety of a particular object, creature, or scenario.
These fears are often not proportionate to real danger to the object or situation. Specific phobias frequently stem from experiencing a traumatic event or witnessing someone else undergo trauma related to a particular trigger. Genetics can also play a role, including specific phobias that can run in family members.
Physical symptoms can manifest as well, and they can be alarming. When facing a feared object or situation, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest pain are common physiological responses.
These physical manifestations can further exacerbate the intense fear associated with specific phobias. For those grappling with these symptoms, seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial.
Signs And Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
The signs and symptoms vary between types of anxiety disorders and can vary from person to person. However, according to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety disorders commonly exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- Excessive worry
- Feelings of restlessness or being on edge
- Muscle tension
- Increased heart rate and palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficult concentrating
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Sleep disruptions
It isn’t uncommon for those who suffer to experience any combination of the symptoms mentioned above. Additionally, the severity of the symptoms can vary. In some cases, symptoms can become so severe that they can disrupt a person’s overall quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective therapeutic approach for managing specific phobias, anxiety disorders, and other common mental health conditions. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.
CBT involves gradually exposing individuals to the feared object or situation. They learn coping mechanisms to deal with their anxiety.
Additionally, counselors may guide individuals in managing the side effects of anxiety through relaxation techniques and controlled breathing exercises.
For people with anxiety, CBT can be a beacon of hope. Enabling them to regain control over their lives and find relief from their phobias.
Normal Anxiety vs Anxiety Disorder
Keep in mind that it is normal to feel anxious sometimes. Anxiety is a natural, short-term reaction to perceived danger. It activates the fight or flight response, allowing us to seek safety.
However, in some cases, anxiety can become chronic and unrelenting. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can interrupt your everyday life, impeding personal and professional relationships and disrupting your overall happiness.
It might be time to seek the help of a professional if you or someone you love:
- Is experiencing anxiety over an extended period (usually six months or longer)
- The symptoms worsen over time
- If you find relaxation techniques have little to no effect
- You are experiencing panic attacks or phobias that interfere with your everyday life
Overcoming Anxiety
Regular anxiety is a normal part of life. However, if they are negatively impacting your quality of life, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Professional help may be necessary to overcome the condition and find a treatment for anxiety disorders.
Blue Sky Counseling – Trauma Therapy Omaha, NE
I, Carly Spring, M.S., LIMHP, LADC, CPC, offer my specialized expertise to assist in the healing process to anyone who may be experiencing and suffering from a vast spectrum of mental health issues. Such mental health issues include behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, addiction issues, and life transitions. I believe strongly in applying a holistic perspective addressing your whole person not just the bits and pieces of you. Contact us with any questions or to talk with a mental health counselor in Omaha today.
