Is your anxiety more than just stress?
Feeling uneasy, worried, or fearful? That might be anxiety, and it's a normal human response to stress. But what happens when that feeling becomes overwhelming, frequent, and starts to interfere with your daily life? That's when it might be an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can manifest in both physical and psychological ways and understanding the symptoms and causes of anxiety is the first step towards managing it.
The physical symptoms of anxiety include:
◽Rapid heartbeat or palpitations: Your heart might feel like it's racing.
◽Shortness of breath or hyperventilation: Feeling like you can't get enough air.
◽Sweating or trembling: Excessive perspiration or shaking.
◽Muscle tension: Tightness, aches, or pains in your muscles.
◽Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.
◽Stomach problems: Nausea, "butterflies," or digestive issues.
The psychological symptoms of anxiety include:
◽Excessive worry or unease: Constantly feeling anxious and unable to control those thoughts.
◽Restlessness or irritability: Feeling agitated or easily frustrated.
◽Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus or make decisions.
◽Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
◽Panic attacks: Sudden, intense episodes of fear often accompanied by severe physical symptoms.
◽Avoidance: Steering clear of situations or places that trigger your anxiety.
Anxiety is often a complex interplay of several factors:
◽Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families.
◽Life events: Stressful or traumatic experiences can be significant triggers.
◽Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters can play a role.
◽Personality traits: Certain personality types may be more predisposed to anxiety.
If anxiety is persistent, severe, or consistently interfering with your daily life, it's crucial to seek professional help. Our mental health clinicians can help you understand the root causes of your anxiety and develop effective strategies to manage it. Book an appointment with The Heart & Mind Collective today.