Everyone can expect to have the occasional bout of anxiety—maybe you get nervous before an interview or a first date—but sometimes, that anxiety doesn’t subside, which may indicate an anxiety disorder.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, which includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobia-related anxiety disorders, but they all hinge on one important aspect: when overwhelming feelings of worry or fear impinge on a person’s daily life.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders can stem from both genetic and environmental factors, and these anxiety disorders are typically treated through a variety of interventions, including psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
While anxiety disorders are often hard to pinpoint—and often benefit from a correct diagnosis from a mental health professional—there are some signs and symptoms that are common among those with most types of anxiety disorders.
Here’s what you need to know, and including when you should seek professional help:
1. Excessive worry
Again, the occasional worries are normal—but for those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), those worries don’t necessarily go away.
People with GAD worry about typical things—including health, money, or family problems—but on a larger scale. They continue to worry about those things even when there’s not a clear reason to worry. This anxiety is also often hard to control, and makes it difficult for sufferers to focus on their daily tasks.
The more you understand yourself, the more silence there is, the healthier you are. —Maxime Lagacé
