Learn to recognize the symptoms
If you feel anxious just before giving a presentation or taking an exam, it's probably completely normal. In fact, there are all sorts of situations in life that trigger a healthy anxious reaction. However, if you feel constantly worried about situations that are very unlikely to arise and are anxious to the point that it interferes with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder on your hands.
While it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal anxiety and an actual anxiety disorder, there are certain things to look out for. Check out this gallery to learn more.
When it comes to anxiety, a little is completely normal. In fact, anxiety is a very natural response to many different situations we may find ourselves in.
A healthy amount of anxiety can even be helpful in certain situations. It can serve as motivation to prepare properly for an exam, for example.
However, when anxiety becomes uncontrollable or it gets in the way of doing things, it might be time to consider whether an anxiety disorder is at play.
There are several different anxiety disorders. General anxiety disorder (GAD) looks a lot like normal anxiety at first but is characterized by constant and crippling worry.
Specific phobias occur when someone has an excessive and irrational fear of something specific. It could be a certain place, situation, or object.
Social anxiety disorder, otherwise known as social phobia, is when someone experiences anxiety and/or fear specifically in social settings.
Separation anxiety disorder occurs when a child is separated from their parents or caregivers. It is a perfectly normal stage of a child’s development.
Normal anxiety tends to be related to a specific situation or problem, and it only lasts for as long as that situation or problem lasts.
When someone is suffering from an anxiety disorder, they may also react to a certain situation or problem in a much stronger or dramatic way than you might expect.
Someone with an anxiety disorder may also experience a lot of unrealistic anxiety, such as fear of a situation that has never happened and is very unlikely to ever happen.
To illustrate the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder, imagine a person that does not like flying (which is very common).
If that person is asked to travel for work, normal anxiety will not stop them from traveling to the airport and boarding a plane.
If you or someone you know has anxiety that is interfering with everyday life, it may be time to seek attention from a doctor or healthcare professional.
Rest assured: there are plenty of ways to manage anxiety, and there is no reason for anyone to suffer through it alone.
If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder after speaking to a professional, you may be prescribed treatment.
Treatment for anxiety disorders can include psychotherapy, in particular cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as antidepressants or beta-blockers.
Your doctor or healthcare professional may also recommend that you attend a support group and/or practice some stress management techniques.
Then there are the other, complementary techniques that may be used alongside treatment and/or medication.
Your doctor or healthcare professional may advise you to regularly exercise, meditate, and/or make dietary changes.
Living with an anxiety disorder can be very difficult and feel suffocating at times. But by raising awareness and sharing resources, we can hope to help those most affected.
Sources: (Healthline) (Here to Help)
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If you feel anxious just before giving a presentation or taking an exam, it's probably completely normal. In fact, there are all sorts of situations in life that trigger a healthy anxious reaction. However, if you feel constantly worried about situations that are very unlikely to arise and are anxious to the point that it interferes with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder on your hands.
While it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal anxiety and an actual anxiety disorder, there are certain things to look out for. Check out this gallery to learn more.