What is Anxiety & How Do I Know If I Have It?

Anxiety is a natural and often healthy response to stress or danger. It's a feeling that everyone experiences from time to time, and most of the time anxiety protects us. For example, anxiety is what reminds you to look both ways before you cross the street. However, for some individuals, anxiety can become a pervasive and overwhelming force in their lives, leading to a condition known as clinical anxiety. In this blog post, we will explore the symptoms of clinical anxiety and provide insight into recognizing warning signs that someone may be struggling with this challenging condition. We approach this topic with a calm and therapeutic tone, aiming to promote understanding and compassion.

Symptoms of Clinical Anxiety

Clinical anxiety, often referred to as an anxiety disorder, is characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life. It's essential to remember that anxiety disorders can manifest differently in each person, but there are common symptoms to be aware of:

1. Excessive Worry: Individuals with clinical anxiety often experience uncontrollable and irrational worry about various aspects of their life, including their health, relationships, or work. This worry can be all-consuming and difficult to shake off.

Example: You worry that your significant other is cheating on you, even though they have never cheated on you, have not given any indication that they are cheating, and have not shown interest in another person.

2. Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can also have a profound impact on the body. Symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, a rapid heartbeat, and sweaty palms are common. These physical manifestations can be distressing and contribute to further anxiety.

Example: You get sweaty palms during a meeting with your boss at work.

3. Panic Attacks: Some individuals with clinical anxiety may experience panic attacks. These sudden and intense episodes can involve symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, and a feeling of impending doom. Insight: Many people who have never had a panic attack before feel as though they are having a heart attack.

4. Avoidance Behavior: People with anxiety disorders may start avoiding situations, places, or people that trigger their anxiety. This avoidance can lead to isolation and hinder personal and professional growth. Example: In order to avoid a social setting, you refuse to go to the grocery store. Insight: It is common for this to occur with avoiding social settings, sometimes can go on for years.

5. Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems are prevalent in individuals with clinical anxiety. They may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience restless, disturbed sleep patterns.

Example: You lay in bed for hours every night with racing thoughts causing you to get less sleep than usual.

6. Irrational Fears: Anxiety can produce irrational fears or phobias. These fears are often out of proportion to the actual threat and can significantly impact a person's life.

Example: You live in Nebraska where there are no venomous spiders, yet when you see a spider you instantly feel as though the spider is super scary and will definitely cause harm to you.

7. Social Anxiety: Social situations can be particularly challenging for those with clinical anxiety. They may fear judgment, humiliation, or embarrassment, leading them to avoid social interactions.

Example: You find yourself sitting in the corner by yourself at the company Christmas party thinking about how everyone MUST be judging you/ your outfit/ etc.

Clinical anxiety is a real and treatable condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Understanding the symptoms and recognizing warning signs in others is the first step towards providing support and encouragement. If you or someone you know is experiencing clinical anxiety, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor is essential. Remember that with the right support and treatment, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety and regain control of their lives. Approach this journey with patience, empathy, and a commitment to mental well-being.