Anxiety Symptoms & Treatment

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

when does anxiety become a disorder?”

What are the different types of anxiety?

Treatment for Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural stress response, but when it becomes persistent, intense, or disproportionate, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues, affecting millions worldwide.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety manifests differently for everyone, but common symptoms include:

• Persistent worrying or overthinking.
• Restlessness or feeling “on edge.”
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.
• Avoidance of certain situations.
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia.

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent worry or fear.
• Feelings of dread or a sense of impending doom.
• Difficulty concentrating or staying focused.
• Restlessness or feeling “on edge.”
• Irritability or becoming easily frustrated.
• Overthinking and constantly imagining the worst-case scenarios.

Physical Symptoms

• Rapid or pounding heartbeat (palpitations).
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Sweating, even in non-stressful situations.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Fatigue or feeling drained.
• Nausea, upset stomach, or digestive issues (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome).
• Muscle tension or stiffness.
• Headaches or migraines.
• Dry mouth or throat tightness.
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
• Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Cold hands or feet, even when warm.
• Tingling or numbness, often in the extremities.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Racing thoughts or inability to “switch off” the mind.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Persistent negative self-talk.
• Forgetfulness or mental blankness during stressful situations.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Avoidance of situations, places, or people that may trigger anxiety.
• Difficulty maintaining work, school, or social commitments.
• Compulsive behaviors (e.g., excessive cleaning or checking) to alleviate anxiety.
• Seeking constant reassurance from others.
• Procrastination or inability to start tasks due to overwhelming fear.

Panic Attack Symptoms

Specific to panic disorder, but also common in severe anxiety episodes:

• Intense fear or terror.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Feeling like you’re choking or smothered.
• Hot flashes or chills.
• Feeling detached from reality (derealization) or from yourself (depersonalization).

Long-Term Symptoms

Chronic anxiety can lead to additional challenges:

• Burnout or emotional exhaustion.
• Social withdrawal or isolation.
• Depression or low mood.
• Physical health issues, such as high blood pressure or weakened immunity.

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Anxiety becomes a disorder when it goes beyond the typical, occasional worries or stress that everyone experiences and starts to significantly interfere with daily life. It is considered a disorder when:

Key Signs Anxiety Has Become a Disorder:

1. Persistent and Excessive Worry:
   • You feel anxious most days for at least six months.
   • The worry is disproportionate to the situation or persists even when there’s no apparent reason for concern.
2. Physical Symptoms:
   • Anxiety triggers symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, trembling, or gastrointestinal issues, even in non-threatening situations.
3. Avoidance Behaviors:
   • You avoid certain places, people, or situations to prevent feeling anxious.
   • This avoidance disrupts daily routines, work, or relationships.
4. Difficulty Controlling Anxiety:
   • You struggle to manage or control your anxious thoughts.
   • Techniques like reassurance or rational thinking don’t ease the feelings of anxiety.
5. Impact on Daily Life:
   • Anxiety affects your ability to perform at work, school, or in social settings.
   • It may lead to withdrawal from activities or relationships you once enjoyed.
6. Recurring and Intense Episodes:
   • Panic attacks or intense fear occur without warning, leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
   • Physical symptoms during these episodes might make you feel like you’re losing control.

What Causes Anxiety to Escalate?

• Stressful Life Events: Major changes, trauma, or prolonged stress can intensify anxiety.
• Family History: A genetic predisposition to anxiety may increase risk.
• Underlying Conditions: Medical issues, hormonal imbalances, or substance use can contribute to anxiety disorders.
• Cognitive Patterns: Negative thought patterns can amplify anxious feelings.

Seeking Help

When anxiety becomes persistent and interferes with your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help. Therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help you understand and manage anxiety effectively.

At Online Therapies, our experienced psychologists can guide you toward relief. Reach out today to start your journey to a calmer, more balanced life.

The Science Behind Anxiety: What Happens in the Brain?

Anxiety begins in the brain, specifically in the amygdala, the part responsible for processing emotions. When you perceive a threat—whether real or imagined—the amygdala signals your body to prepare for “fight or flight.”

This response releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate and tense muscles. While this response is helpful in dangerous situations, chronic activation leads to anxiety disorders.

Therapy helps by rewiring these responses, teaching your brain to recognize and manage anxiety triggers effectively.

Anxiety is a broad term that encompasses several specific disorders, each with its own unique characteristics. Below is a breakdown of the most common types of anxiety disorders:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Description: Excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things such as work, health, finances, or relationships.
• Symptoms: Restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

2. Panic Disorder

• Description: Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort.
• Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, sweating, or fear of losing control or dying.
• Key Feature: Fear of future panic attacks often leads to avoidance behaviors.

3. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

• Description: Intense fear of social situations where one may be judged, humiliated, or embarrassed.
• Symptoms: Avoidance of social interactions, physical symptoms like blushing or trembling, and difficulty speaking in public.
• Common Triggers: Public speaking, meeting new people, or eating in front of others.

4. Specific Phobias

• Description: Intense and irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities.
• Examples: Fear of heights (acrophobia), animals (e.g., spiders or snakes), flying, or closed spaces (claustrophobia).
• Symptoms: Immediate anxiety or panic when exposed to the feared object or situation.

5. Agoraphobia

• Description: Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack or other embarrassing symptoms.
• Common Avoidances: Crowded places, public transportation, open spaces, or being alone outside the home.
• Severe Cases: May result in the person becoming housebound.

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Description: Recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, often leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce the distress.
• Examples: Excessive handwashing due to fear of germs, checking locks repeatedly, or arranging items in a specific order.
  (OCD is closely related to anxiety disorders but is classified separately in the DSM-5.)

7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Description: Anxiety triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster.
• Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders of the trauma.
  (PTSD is also related but classified separately from anxiety disorders.)

8. Separation Anxiety Disorder

• Description: Excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from a loved one, typically a caregiver.
• Common in: Children, though it can occur in adults.
• Symptoms: Fear of harm befalling loved ones, reluctance to be alone, and physical symptoms when separation is anticipated.

9. Health Anxiety (Hypochondriasis)

• Description: Preoccupation with the fear of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance.
• Symptoms: Excessive health-related research, frequent doctor visits, or avoiding healthcare out of fear of bad news.

10. Selective Mutism

• Description: A rare condition where individuals, typically children, are unable to speak in certain social settings despite being able to speak in others.
• Symptoms: Extreme shyness and inability to communicate in specific situations, often linked to social anxiety.

11. Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

• Description: Anxiety symptoms directly caused by substance abuse, medication, or withdrawal.
• Examples: Anxiety triggered by excessive caffeine intake, drug use, or withdrawal from alcohol or certain medications.

12. Specific Situational Anxiety

• Examples:
  • Test Anxiety: Fear or stress related to taking exams.
  • Performance Anxiety: Fear of performing in public, often related to stage fright.

How Therapy Can Help You Overcome Anxiety

Seeking help for anxiety is a courageous first step. Therapy can help you understand your anxiety, identify triggers, and develop tools to manage it. At Online Therapies, our licensed psychologists specialize in evidence-based treatments, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A proven method to challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns.
• EMDR Therapy: Particularly effective for PTSD and anxiety linked to trauma.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Learn how to stay grounded and manage anxiety in the moment.

Why Choose Online Therapy for Anxiety?

1. Convenience: Access therapy from the comfort of your home.
2. Flexibility: Schedule sessions at times that suit your lifestyle.
3. Privacy: Discreet and secure, ensuring you feel safe to share.
4. Accessibility: Ideal for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges.

With online therapy, there’s no need to let anxiety control your life. Our psychologists are here to guide you toward better mental health and a more fulfilling life.