Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults each year. Anxiety disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, both physical and emotional.
Physical Symptoms
- Shaking: Anxiety can cause your body to tremble or shake.
- Sweating: Anxiety can cause you to sweat excessively.
- Nausea: Anxiety can cause you to feel sick to your stomach.
- Diarrhea: Anxiety can cause you to have diarrhea.
- Rapid heart rate: Anxiety can cause your heart to race.
- Shortness of breath: Anxiety can cause you to feel short of breath.
- Dizziness: Anxiety can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Muscle tension: Anxiety can cause your muscles to tense up.
- Headaches: Anxiety can cause headaches.
- Stomach pain: Anxiety can cause stomach pain.
Emotional Symptoms
- Feeling on edge: Anxiety can make you feel on edge or restless.
- Worrying excessively: Anxiety can cause you to worry excessively about everything from your health to your finances.
- Feeling irritable: Anxiety can make you feel irritable or angry.
- Having difficulty concentrating: Anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate on tasks.
- Having difficulty sleeping: Anxiety can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
- Feeling overwhelmed: Anxiety can make you feel overwhelmed or like you are losing control.
- Having panic attacks: Panic attacks are a sudden, intense feeling of fear or anxiety that can cause a variety of symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a mental health professional to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of topics.
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations.
- Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, unexpected panic attacks.
- Phobias are intense fears of specific objects or situations.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a traumatic event.
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to their development, including:
- Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families.
- Personality traits: People who are more shy or inhibited may be more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.
- Life experiences: Traumatic events or stressful life experiences can trigger an anxiety disorder.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or heart disease, can cause anxiety symptoms.
- Substance use: Alcohol and drug use can worsen anxiety symptoms.
There are a number of effective treatments for anxiety disorders, including:
- Therapy: Therapy can help you to identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety.
- Medication: Anti-anxiety medications can help to reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Self-help strategies: There are a number of self-help strategies that can help to manage anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and healthy eating.
When it comes to anxiety disorders, there are a few common mistakes that people often make. These mistakes can make anxiety worse and make it more difficult to treat.
- Avoiding situations that trigger your anxiety. This will only reinforce your anxiety and make it more difficult to overcome.
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with your anxiety. Alcohol and drugs can worsen anxiety symptoms in the long run.
- Trying to tough it out on your own. Anxiety disorders are treatable, but it is important to get professional help.
