Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that can have extreme and debilitating effects on people who live with it. The symptoms are varied and wide-ranging, and people may experience them differently. There are some common symptoms that many people struggling with anxiety in Clearwater and Pinellas County will often experience at some point.
Here are some of the common symptoms of anxiety disorder and how they may affect you if you suffer from this mental health condition.
Feelings of worry
Feelings of worry or panic are commonly associated with anxiety disorder and can be very challenging to deal with. You may feel like you are always experiencing worrying thoughts or feelings on some level, or you might find that they arise in certain situations, such as social settings. Although it is commonly believed that anxiety is characterized only by this symptom, this is certainly not the case, and there is a range of mental and physical symptoms associated with this mental health condition.
Fatigue and tiredness
Many people are unaware that fatigue and tiredness are common symptoms of anxiety. People who have an anxiety disorder can feel drained and tired more easily, and this can impact their lives in many ways. For example, going to work might feel more difficult, and even getting out of bed and taking a shower can feel like a challenge on some days. It’s important to take things at your pace if you are struggling with anxiety.
Sleeping problems
Insomnia and other sleeping problems are common among the general population, but people who have an anxiety disorder are more likely to struggle to get good quality sleep. Without good quality sleep each night, the risk of other health problems can increase, and more symptoms of anxiety may start to develop. Improving the quality of your sleep can help to tackle some of the common symptoms that come with an anxiety disorder.
Trouble concentrating
A person suffering from an anxiety disorder may struggle to concentrate on certain tasks. Anxiety can impact focus and concentration and make it more difficult for a person with an anxiety disorder to study or focus on a specific task. This can make it more challenging for some people suffering from anxiety to pass exams, feel prepared for certain occasions, or focus on what someone is saying.
Rapid breathing
Quick breathing is often a physical manifestation of an anxiety disorder, and it can be so severe that people may feel like they are having a heart attack or dying. Rapid breathing is also known as hyperventilation and is a common symptom of an anxiety disorder. In particular, hyperventilation can be most common in those suffering from a panic disorder.
Social withdrawal
In an attempt to stop the feelings of worry or anxiety in certain situations, people with an anxiety disorder may withdraw from social settings altogether. This is also a common symptom of depression, where people feel they are unable to socialize or spend time with other people for a variety of reasons, including low mood, feelings of guilt, or a lack of physical and mental energy.
Racing thoughts
A person suffering from an anxiety disorder may experience racing thoughts, either constantly or during particular situations. It can feel like you can’t control negative thoughts racing around your mind, and this can spiral out of control and lead to panic attacks and worsening anxiety. Practices like meditation and counseling can often provide relief and help to bring your thoughts under more of your control.
More alert
As well as racing thoughts and feelings of worry and panic, increased levels of alertness can also be a manifestation of an anxiety disorder. Even in situations where you should normally feel relaxed, such as lying down on your bed or watching a movie, you might feel like you need to be on high alert and watch out in case something happens.
Crying
Another physical symptom of an anxiety disorder is regular or excessive crying. This can be caused by a sense of frustration because of the anxiety disorder or because a person feels unable to overcome worries about certain situations in life, such as social situations like job interviews or family gatherings.
Finding help with anxiety
Living with an anxiety disorder doesn’t need to be the only option. You can find professional support with anxiety in Clearwater and Pinellas County by visiting Advantage Mental Health Center.
Picture Credit: Crello