You might also be anxious about seemingly nothing at all.
But do you have reactions that are out of proportion to normal anxiety?
Are you worrying and not able to control the worry?
Anxiety disorder symptoms can range from excessive worry to physical symptoms of panic.
Are you having trouble relaxing?
Examples could be excessive worry,panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts.
She explains that these symptoms may indicate an anxiety disorder when they interfere with the persons day-to-day life.
Thats why, for many people, anxiety can have physical effects too.
Anxiety has a purpose, andhadan evolutionary purpose to protect you, says Dr. Gold.
Thephysical symptoms of anxietycan range from mild to severe, depending on the anxiety disorder youre dealing with.
Moderate symptoms could also be present, says Dr. Gold.
Other milder physical symptoms may include:
Do different types of anxiety cause different symptoms?
You may notice an underlying feeling of restlessness or like youre always on edge.
Any worry or distress you do feel might seem disproportionate to how you would normally feel otherwise.
It can become more difficult to concentrate, and you may notice that you feel more irritable and angry.
National Library of Medicine.
In some cases, you might even have a panic attack.
You might also think you are being perceived negatively or that everyone is criticizing you.
During a panic attack, you might notice that your heart begins to speed up or beat harder.
Yourchest can feel tight, and you might worry that you cant breathe enough air.
You may experience hot flashes or cold chills,sweatingand shaking, and even upset stomach or nausea.
Some people even express having feelings of impending doom or unreality.
Unreality or depersonalization can feel like you arent real or like the world around you isnt real.
An obsession is any thought, feeling, or image that is repetitive and causes you distress or anxiety.
A compulsion is any action that you perform to attempt to relieve the anxiety associated with those obsessions.
This is related to a perfectionism obsession, according to the International OCD Foundation.
What are the standard treatments for anxiety symptoms?
Remember, your treatment journey should start with a conversation between you and amental health professionalyou trust.
You have input and control over what you ultimately decide to do to treat your anxiety.
Therapy is often one of the first treatment options considered when you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
A lot of anxiety is mental, she explains, so therapy is definitely the gold standard.
However, one of the most widely used types of therapy for anxiety iscognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT).
Oftentimes, not-well-known therapies dont get the same credit, notes Dr. Gold.
But there are definitely people who can benefit from them.
Antidepressants are often considered one of the most effective medication options for people with anxiety disorders.
You definitely can have as-needed medicine to help in the interim with panic and phobias, notes Dr. Gold.
It can be helpful in those configs with limited use.
Some people like deep-breathing skills and can use them in the short-term, Dr. Gold finds.
(Check out theseguided breathing videosif youre not sure where to start.)
That can help in the moment, she says.
Its easier than ever to accessguided meditation appson your phone too.
Sleep is often negatively impacted in people with anxiety disorders, and for a good reason.
Anxiety as an entity exists to predict a threat and run from a threat, explains Dr. Gold.
It can be more difficult to create and maintain a healthy sleep schedule when you have an anxiety disorder.
(Try thesesoothing presleep habitsif youre having trouble winding down.)
So its no surprise that physical activity can play a role in reducing anxiety.
Dr. Gold recommends low-impact activities likeyogaandPilatesbecause they can allow you to move your body gently and promote relaxation.
Dr. Gold explains that its also important to call your experience out for what it is.
When you feel those uncomfortable symptoms kicking in, ask yourself: Why do I feel this way?
