Signs you may be dealing with anxiety

We’ve all had anxiety at one time or another in our lives. It can happen when you go into a new situation like a new job or school. It is common to also feel anxiety in relationships with others in addition to feeling anxious about our own selves. Anxiety helps us to stay focused on the important aspects of our lives. It can also make us aware of dangers or difficult situations. Anxiety is at the heart of our flight or fight reactions.

But, when you are experiencing anxiety frequently, and it becomes disabling, it may be time to seek help. If you’ve been struggling with feelings of anxiety or panic that interfere with daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is overwhelming feelings of fear or panic when faced with a situation. It is usually a fear that is out of proportion with the threat.

There are different types of anxiety, such as:
Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder/social phobia
Separation anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Various phobias

Some patients can even have more than one type of anxiety disorder.

6 signs you may have anxiety

If you’re not sure whether you are struggling with anxiety, here are some common signs that those with anxiety have:

1. Trouble sleeping

Sleep is essential to our bodies and our overall well-being. Without enough rest, you can suffer physically and mentally. Adults need at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. When your sleep patterns change, and you’re no longer able to get the rest you need, it is a sign something is wrong.

When your anxiety is causing your to worry and stress over things in your day or upcoming situations you’re dreading, your sleep will likely suffer. If you notice that you cannot fall asleep or stay asleep, you should talk to your doctor.

2. Irrational fear

Many people have anxiety in specific situations, such as when they see a spider or snake. It can also be connected to other people in our lives that we struggle to get along with. While these can be normal reactions, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder if your fear is out of proportion to the risk involved.

Consider how disruptive your worries are and whether they interfere with daily life or fun experiences. Anxiety should not hold you hostage and prevent you from enjoying your life. If it is, then it’s time to get anxiety therapy.

3. Muscle tension

Anxiety can even take physical shape in our bodies if left untreated. One example is if you suffer from constant muscle tension. This could be a clenched jaw or balling up your fists. These are physical symptoms of anxiety disorders that lie beneath the surface.

Like other anxiety symptoms, you may be able to keep it under control through exercise or stretching, but at some point, the tension will flare-up. It can cause you pain and discomfort and get in the way of your daily activities. To help you overcome this, contact Catharsis Counselling and Psychotherapy today.

4. Frequent panic attacks

A panic attack is a sudden onset of anxiety or fear. You may experience any of the following symptoms during an attack:

Heart palpitations
Sweating
Shaking or trembling
Feeling short of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Feeling sick to the stomach
Dizziness or feeling faint
Fear of losing control

If you are experiencing panic attacks, you should talk to your doctor. Many of these symptoms can also be signs of other medical problems like heart disease or thyroid issues.

5. Chronic digestive issues

Another physical symptom of anxiety is ongoing digestive issues. This can include upset stomachs, stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Anxiety therapists are trained in helping you find ways to overcome your feelings and gain control over your symptoms. You can reduce the indigestion struggles you have with tools like deep breathing, meditation, or regular exercise.

6. Extreme self-consciousness

Everyone can feel a little shy and insecure at times, but these reactions can be heightened with anxiety. Whether it is speaking in front of a crowd, a business presentation, or just attending a social event, anxiety can be a major handicap to meeting new people and maintaining connections with others.

Social anxiety disorder can lead you to believe that everyone is watching you and they are critical of your performance. This can cause you to blush, sweat, tremble, and feel nauseated. You may even struggle to breathe or talk. Many patients will avoid social settings, so they don’t need to feel these things.