We all experience anxiety about something such as being late to work, finances, what to do about relationships, and more.
Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are an entirely different story. People with anxiety disorders experience worries on a daily basis. If anxiety is interfering with your daily activities, it might be time to do something about it.
Learning about the different types of anxiety will help you identify the source and get proper treatment for it.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have common worries several times a day. While it is normal to worry about things like finances once in a while, people with GAD can worry about their finances constantly.
Even when there is no reason to worry, anxiety will still find its way to creep in. You cannot put a finger on why it is you are so worried. Something is causing you worry. Over time, GAD can interfere with relationships and daily life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by anxiety over neatness, perfection, and order. You may also expect the world to be at the perfectionist standards you expect. Other symptoms may include having obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Examples may include constantly washing your hands, counting, checking, or cleaning in hopes of making the thoughts go away.
Just like with GAD, it may be hard for people with OCD to describe their feelings. While you work hard, your perfectionist standards can be inefficient in getting work done. This can push people away if you make them feel inept at not doing things the way you would. Performing these rituals may only provide you with temporary relief. And not performing them can make you more anxious.
Panic Disorder
A panic disorder is characterized by repeated panic attacks. You could experience moments of intense fear or discomfort in minutes. You may not even know why you are experiencing terror, but that does not stop your heart from racing and feeling like you cannot breathe.
Some people may have a panic attack once or twice in their lives. However, a panic disorder can make you more prone to them. You may even start to worry about having more panic attacks, which increases panic-related anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically consists of feeling constantly on edge or threatened after experiencing a traumatic event. This can occur after surviving abuse, an accident, witnessing a tragedy, and more.
People with PTSD always feel like they are in danger. Their fight-or-flight response freezes their body, thinking that there is danger ahead when there could be nothing at all. This is a result of chemical changes that have occurred in the brain after experiencing a traumatic event.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder can cause you to feel worried in a social setting. People with this disorder have trouble talking to people, meeting new people, or attending social events.
You may be scared that putting yourself out there with people will lead to judgment and hurt. Even if none of that has occurred to you before, you still expect something will go wrong. Social anxiety disorder can affect school, work, or prevent you from developing close relationships.
And Finally…
The most important thing to remember whenever you are experiencing anxiety is that it doesn’t have to be permanent. When negative thoughts take over your head, it is hard not to listen to them. But mindfulness exercises and attending therapy can teach you how to live your life with more control over your anxiety.
Click here for more information on anxiety treatment.