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Anxiety

Anxiety is a difficult and often misunderstood emotion that becomes generally attributed to a significant mental health condition. Often anxiety is seen as a condition that needs to be treated. In some cases that may be true, while in other cases, that may not be the best course of action.  For our purpose, there are differences between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder.

Anxiety, or the combination of feelings of guilt, feeling uncomfortable, worrying, racing heart, mind racing, difficulty sitting still, and more. These symptoms are often attributed to the definition of anxiety. When that feeling becomes overwhelming and disproportionate to the things going on around you, then it might be a mental health disorder.

An Anxiety disorder can be felt like an excessive amount of fear, nervousness, apprehension, and worry, among other things.

Each individual will feel anxiety differently. Additionally – the individual themselves will often feel anxiety differently depending on the situation.

The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as the following:  An emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like Increased Blood Pressure.

It is vitally important to understand the difference between “normal” feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder that may require medical or mental health attention. Learn more about Anxiety Disorder here:  Anxiety Disorder.

When is Treatment Recommended?

1.)  When individuals feel triggers of Anxiety beyond the normal scope of daily life

2.)  When individuals feel symptoms of worry that are Excessive and last longer than 6 months

3.)  When worrying becomes more than the individual believes that they can control

4.)  When anxiety and worry also begin to have other symptoms:

–  Easily fatigued
–  Irritability
–  Increased Muscle aches and soreness  (when not associated with working out or injury)
–  Constantly Restless  (Again, we all get restless – this is an extensive amount)
–  Difficulty sleeping for periods of days, weeks, and months (Includes falling asleep, staying asleep, or unsatisfying sleep)

5.)  When your worrying begins to affect those around you.

6.)  It is important to understand that worrying can be caused by poor decisions, financial troubles, drug use, and much more.

Are Panic Attacks Part of Anxiety?

–  A panic attack can happen to almost anyone.
–  When the panic attack becomes severe or unexpected – additional treatment for anxiety and other mental health disorders may be required
–  Not all individuals with Anxiety will have Panic Attacks