It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time. Perhaps you get a bit nervous speaking in front of people or going on a job interview. But for some people, anxiety becomes a frequent and forceful occurrence that completely takes over their lives.
Since anxiety comes in many forms, for instance, panic attacks, phobias and social anxiety, it can often be difficult to tell if what you’re experiencing is “normal” or has crossed the line into a mood disorder.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may want to speak with a counselor who can help you cope with your anxiety.
Excessive Worry
General anxiety disorder (GAD), the broadest type of anxiety, is characterized by excessive worry. People with GAD worry too much about everyday things, both big and small. But what constitutes “too much worry?”
With GAD, people are plagued with persistent, anxious thoughts most days of the week. This anxiety can become so overwhelming it interferes with their daily life. If you are worrying to a degree that you have trouble doing daily tasks and are suffering from your emotions, it may be time to speak with a therapist.
Trouble Sleeping
Sleep issues such as falling asleep or staying asleep have been associated with a myriad of health conditions, both physical and psychological. It’s normal for people to have trouble sleeping from time to time. Perhaps you find yourself tossing and turning before a big job interview or giving a presentation.
However, if you find yourself night after night lying awake, anxious about specific problems (such as relationship problems or financial difficulties), or even about nothing, in particular, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Muscle Tension
Anxiety disorders can often be accompanied by persistent muscle tension. Do you find yourself clenching your jaw or balling your fists throughout the day? You may have lived with this chronic muscular tension for so long you don’t even realize it anymore. While exercise can help relax muscles, therapy will get to the root cause of the anxiety.
Digestive Problems
While anxiety lives in the mind, it is often manifested in the body through chronic digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Our guts are very sensitive to emotional and psychological stress. Unfortunately, a digestive upset can often make a person feel even more anxious.
Panic Attacks
Although not everyone who is challenged by anxiety experiences a panic attack, they can be a frightening and debilitating experience. You are suddenly gripped with an overwhelming feeling of dread and fear. These are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, racing heart, dizziness, and profuse sweating.
Are You Ready For Some Good News?
What would it be to start working on managing your anxiety, those feelings, and emotions that feel so out of control? How great would it be to realize that you can learn to live with anxiety from a peaceful vs. chaotic and fear-based place? What you say, peaceful anxiety? That sounds strange I know. If you are human, you’ll have anxiety, small doses of it can serve you in good ways. Let’s figure out what that can look like. But most importantly let’s work together on learning what thoughts may be contributing to your feeling of anxiety that you may not even be aware of. The root of anxiety is feeling out of control. Ready to learn to be in control with your thoughts and that pesky anxiety so that anxiety doesn’t have to overcome you?
If you or a loved one is interested in talking more about this, I’d love to hear your story.
I invite you to schedule a no cost 20-minute call as your first step to explore working together.
~ Brené Brown
Photo by Jad Limcaco on Unsplash