The word "anxiety" refers to a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. The difference between being diagnosed with anxiety and simply feeling anxious lies in the severity, duration, and impact on daily functioning.
Feeling Anxious:
Feeling anxious is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time in response to stressful situations, uncertainty, or perceived threats. It's a temporary state of unease or apprehension that typically subsides once the stressor is removed or the situation is resolved. Feeling anxious occasionally is a common part of life and doesn't necessarily indicate an anxiety disorder.
Diagnosed with Anxiety: When someone is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, it means their experience of anxiety is more intense, persistent, and disruptive to their daily life. Anxiety disorders involve excessive and uncontrollable worry or fear that significantly interferes with functioning in various areas such as work, relationships, or social situations. These disorders may include Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, or specific phobias, among others. Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions, each with its own specific symptoms. However, some common symptoms across different types of anxiety disorders include:
Excessive Worry: Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, family, or finances.
Feeling Restless or On Edge: A constant feeling of restlessness, agitation, or being "on edge," making it difficult to relax or concentrate.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued even without engaging in strenuous activities.
Muscle Tension: Persistent muscle tension, which can lead to symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, or general bodily discomfort.
Irritability: Easily becoming irritable or feeling easily frustrated, often without a clear reason.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep due to racing thoughts or physical discomfort.
Physical Symptoms: Various physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., stomach aches or nausea).
Avoidance Behaviour: Avoiding situations or activities that may trigger anxiety, leading to social isolation or impaired functioning.
Panic Attacks: Intense episodes of fear or panic, accompanied by physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or feelings of impending doom. Panic attacks can occur suddenly and unpredictably.
Difficulty Controlling Anxiety: Feeling unable to control or manage feelings of anxiety, even when recognizing that the worry is excessive or irrational.
It's important to note that individuals with anxiety disorders may experience a combination of these symptoms to varying degrees of severity. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. In summary, feeling anxious is a normal emotional response to stress, while being diagnosed with anxiety indicates a more severe and chronic condition that may require professional treatment and intervention. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, it's essential to seek help from a mental health professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches.
@Ease Creative Integrative Therapies with Val Phillips 2024
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