Anxiety is a natural response of the body to stress, but when it becomes a constant and overwhelming feeling, it can be a mental health disorder that needs attention. Identifying anxiety can be difficult, as each person experiences different symptoms. In this article, we teach you how to recognize the signs of anxiety and the available treatments.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest physically and emotionally, and symptoms may vary from person to person. However, some of the most common signs of anxiety include:
Feeling nervous or constantly tense Excessive worry or irrational fear Difficulty concentrating Fatigue or tiredness Irritability or sudden mood swings Difficulty falling or staying asleep Palpitations, excessive sweating, or trembling.
If you experience several of these symptoms for at least six months and they impede your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): characterized by constant and excessive worry about everyday situations. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): characterized by intrusive and recurrent thoughts (obsessions) that provoke repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Panic Disorder: characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic. Social Anxiety Disorder: characterized by intense and persistent fear of social or performance situations. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories after a traumatic event.