Anxiety is something that we all experience from time to time. It’s our body’s natural response to stress—it keeps us alert and prepared to deal with problems. But when that feeling of anxiety persists, becomes overwhelming, or doesn’t match what’s going on, it can become something more severe: an anxiety disorder. These are the most prevalent mental illnesses, cutting short the lives of almost 30% of adults along the way. Although little anxiety can be beneficial in some cases, anxiety disorders can become dominant and overshadow normal life, relationships, and jobs. That is why knowing the difference between normal anxiety and something else is vital.
Daily worry typically appears in particular situations—such as in anticipation of a major presentation or a difficult conversation—and disappears after the moment has passed. With an anxiety disorder, however, the fear or anxiety lingers, frequently without cause. It may present itself as ongoing muscle tightness, being on edge, insomnia, or even physical complaints such as exhaustion. To be diagnosed, the anxiety has to feel out of proportion to the situation or not match what’s typical for a person’s age, and it has to get in the way of daily life.
There are a few different kinds of anxiety disorders, each with its own symptoms and difficulties. Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is excessive, persistent worry about all sorts of things—work, health, chores, appointments, you name it. Those with GAD tend to feel restless, fatigued, or irritable. They may have trouble focusing or sleeping well.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety, too. It’s characterized by unexpected panic attacks that are quick to start and can be extremely severe. These attacks may have symptoms such as a racing heart, chest pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, or feeling like one is going to lose control or die. Because attacks can occur at random, individuals often begin to avoid people and situations they believe may cause another attack to occur, and fear sets in, which makes it difficult to stop.
Phobias are also prevalent. These are extreme fears of particular things or situations, such as flying, speaking in public, or spiders. While individuals with phobias realize their fear is not logical, they can’t help but feel helpless to prevent it and may go to great lengths to avoid the stimulus.
Agoraphobia is the fear of being in areas where escape may be difficult or aid may be unavailable if something were to go wrong, particularly if a panic attack occurs. This may be crowded shops, buses, or even outside the home on one’s own. At the extreme, one may feel unable to leave the house at all.
Social anxiety disorder provokes extreme fear and nervousness in social situations. The fear tends to be about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected. Everyday experiences such as meeting someone new, public speaking, or even eating around other people can become daunting for individuals with this condition.
Separation anxiety is not only something children experience. Adults can have it as well. It is an intense concern with being separated from individuals you have strong attachments to. It can cause you to avoid being left alone or separated from the ones you love.
Selective mutism most often shows itself in children. A child may be able to speak openly at home but remain entirely silent at school or in other social situations. They may continue to communicate through other means—such as through gestures—but their silence can really hamper learning and socializing.
Acute stress disorder occurs following a traumatic experience, such as an accident or natural disaster. It is accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and numbness or detachment. If the symptoms persist for over a month, it can be diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Acute stress disorder may affect anyone, and it is particularly prevalent following severe trauma.
Why do anxiety disorders develop? There’s no single answer. A combination of genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events all come into play. If you have a family history of anxiety or you’ve experienced a great deal of stress or trauma, your risk for developing an anxiety disorder may be higher. Your support system and style of coping also play a role.
The good news is that anxiety disorders are extremely treatable. Therapy, medication, or a combination can work incredibly well. One of the most beneficial techniques is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It works to modify unhelpful thinking and conduct that sustains anxiety. Drugs—such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications—can alleviate symptoms, but they’re typically part of a larger treatment plan. For acute stress disorder, trauma-focused CBT and exposure therapy can make a significant improvement.
There are also daily strategies that can be useful. Stress coping methods such as deep breathing, meditation, and exercise can soften symptoms. Eliminating or reducing caffeine and other stimulants, education regarding anxiety, and speaking with support groups (in person or online) can also bring comfort and insight.
A lot of anxious individuals take too long to seek assistance, unaware that there are effective treatments available. The process starts with acknowledging the symptoms and seeking an appointment with a mental health professional. With proper guidance, it’s entirely possible to take charge again and live a purposeful, productive life.