What is Anxiety?

What it's not

Anxiety disorders are a lot of things, but we hope that these facts about what they aren’t gives you hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Anxiety isn’t:

●Your fault.
●Normal stress or everyday worrying.
●Something to avoid.
●Abnormal or something to be ashamed of.
●Something you have to deal with alone.

What causes anxiety?

There’s no single cause. Anxiety can develop from a combination of factors — genetics, life events, brain chemistry, and even certain personality traits can play a role. Sometimes its shows up after a major change or stressful period. Other times it’s been there for as long as you can remember.

Here are some things to keep in mind about the causes of anxiety:

●Genetics play a key role – roughly 1/3 of risks for anxiety disorders are inherited
●Trauma or significant life events – These events cause the nervous system to become more sensitive, causing you to perceive threats more frequently.
●Chronic or persistent stressors – Lingering stress from things such as the loss of loved one, financial strain, or societal stressors can activate underlying vulnerabilities.
●Brain chemistry – Reduced levels of serotonin/dopamine as well as differences in the way the brain is wired contribute to excessive fear – the driving force behind anxiety disorders.

Whatever the cause might be, the important thing to remember is that you don’t have to manage it alone.

What does it feel like?

Anxiety appears differently for everyone, the important thing to remember is that what you’re feeling is real and something you can overcome. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, these are the most common ways anxiety presents itself:

Remember: Anxiety appears differently for everyone, if you feel something that doesn’t appear on this list it doesn’t mean your struggles are less valid or not real

●Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
●Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
●Feeling weak or tired.
●Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
●Having an upset stomach or other problems with digestion.
●Having the urge to avoid activities or behaviors that trigger anxious feelings.

Most mental health disorders have an overlap in symptoms, if you’re concerned about something or want advice its always best to consult with a doctor or therapist.

Are there different kinds of anxiety?

Anxiety is a category for the different kind of anxiety disorders.

Remember: Even though they are called disorders it’s important to remember that they are treatable and most people who have them live very fulfilling lives.

These are some of the most common anxiety disorders:

●Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This is the most common anxiety disorder, and is identified by excessive worry about different aspects of your life for ≥ 6 months.
●Panic Disorder – Recurring unexpected panic attacks and worry about future attacks.
●Social Anxiety Disorder – This is more than being shy, it is an intense and persistent fear of being judged or humiliated.
●Specific Phobia – Fear of a specific object or situation. Some examples of this include being afraid of spiders (Aracnophobia), fear of heights (Hypsophobia), or being afraid of the dark (Nyctophobia).
●Agoraphobia – This is the fear of being in situations where escape isn’t possible. This is not included as a Specific Phobia because it is the fear of multiple situations or objects.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

Anxiety disorders are treated using therapy, medication, or a combination of both. The most well-researched approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which helps you identify and change the thought patterns that fuel anxiety. Depending on the type or severity of your anxiety other approaches such as mindfulness therapy, exposure therapy, and EMDR can also be highly effective.

When you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder implementing lifestyle changes such as regular exercise or having a consistent sleep schedule can be difficult, but many people say changes like these can support the progress you make with a therapist.

What can I do about it?

The first step is recognizing that what you’re experiencing is real and valid. The second step is reaching out. Whether that means talking to your primary care doctor, calling a therapist, or even talking to someone you trust – you’re already moving in the right direction.

There is no threshold of “bad enough” to hit before you deserve help. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, thats reason enough.