I’ve had all the symptoms of anxiety in the book and I can tell you that behind every symptom there was a lingering question in my head which was; “is This The One That Will End Me?” Thankfully, not one of my irrational fears ever came true.
Temporary episodes of anxiety are common. However, frequent cases of chronic, extreme, and increased fear and worry about different routine situations can be regarded and diagnosed as symptoms of anxiety disorder. In most cases, anxiety may be marked by repeated bouts of panic attacks.
Feelings of panic and anxiety often adversely affect daily life and activities. They are disproportionate to the level of real danger, difficult to manage if you have no strategy and just rely on willpower, and may persist for a long period. Sufferers may even avoid trigger situations and/or places to prevent the onset of anxiety, I know I did for 6 years. The symptoms of anxiety may begin in childhood or adolescence and persist into adulthood.
Different types of anxiety disorder include agoraphobia, panic disorder, selective mutism, substance-induced anxiety, GAD, social anxiety, separation anxiety disorder, and certain phobias, etc.
People may suffer from more than one type of anxiety disorder. Risk of development for anxiety may increase due to factors like traumatic experiences, inherited traits, other underlying mental conditions, side-effect of medications, illness-related stress, alcohol/drug abuse, or certain personality types. But no matter what, my approach is always the same:
“Let’s Stop Calling It A Mental Illness, And Start Calling It What It Truly Is; A Temporary State Of Wrongful Programming.”
Symptoms of Anxiety
Some of the common signs and symptoms of anxiety are listed below:
- Sense of looming doom, panic, or danger
- Feeling tense, nervous, uneasy, fearful, or restless
- Higher heart rate or palpitations
- Tingling or numb sensations in feet or hands
- Increased perspiration; sweaty or cold feet or hands
- Dizziness
- Hyperventilation or rapid breathing, breathlessness
- Shaking or trembling
- Concentration problems; not able to think about things other than cause of anxiety and worry
- Difficulties in controlling worry
- Dry mouth
- Increased tiredness and weakness
- Sleeping troubles
- Nausea
- Occurrence of gastrointestinal issues
- Inability to remain calm or still
- Desire to avoid situations/things/places that activate anxiety
- Tensed muscles
- Some of the complications associated with extreme anxiety include
- Other mental health conditions like depression, etc.
- Insomnia or other sleep problems
- Substance abuse
- Chronic pain and headaches
- Bowel or digestion issues
- Poor or substandard quality of life
- Problems functioning at school or work
- Adverse affect on work or school life functioning
- Social isolation
- Suicide
Treatments for Anxiety in Today’s World
In today’s world of first line of treatments for anxiety, it is primarily treated via medications and psychotherapy. A combination of the two treatment options provide relief for some, but many people feel they cannot see themselves relying on a pill for their entire lives. Doctors may also try out a few options before finding one which works the best to alleviate anxiety for you (ya this one didn’t work well for me either).
In psychotherapy, psychological counseling, or talk therapy, patients work with their therapist for alleviation of anxiety. One of the most effective forms of coaching however is CBT/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Among many things, the therapy may involve gradual exposure to things or situations that trigger anxiety, imparting specific skills for anxiety relief, and teaching changes in behaviour.
The main thing to understand is that every person’s anxiety struggles is unique. This is why becoming knowledgable is the first step towards overcoming anxiety for good, not temporarily. As long and draining as the struggle might be for you, understand that you are always one good mentor away from transforming your belief patterns, and changing the way you feel. Welcome to this amazing site warrior.
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Knowing the anxiety disorders you get is good for early treatment, knowing the disorder at the time of inception is even better because the earlier you know about it, the earlier you can get rid of it. Read through and get it right. Stop it in its root
Very true.
It sure was nice that you mentioned that anxiety has more than one way of occurring and that other factors like traumatic experiences, traits, and mental disorders can contribute to its development. I am pretty sure that the development of anxiety in my younger sister was not inherited nor caused by a mental disorder. I think it was caused by something traumatic that she experienced when she was younger. Anyway, I’ll take her to a counselor so we can sort out the problem and see what we can do. Thanks!
Most of the people I work with through the program have also been struck by an emotional trauma that caused a sensitization within them. The beauty is that those movies and images in the unconscious can change.
I have been having such a hard time for the past three months. So many physical symptoms…burning skin, numbness, tingling, muscle pain, twitches, loss of appetite, social isolation, insomnia…have you heard of anyone that has experienced these symptoms. I have been to so many doctors and they keep saying it is anxiety. I am having a hard time believing that anxiety can make you feel this way…I feel like anxiety is killing me.
Anxiety can certainly make you feel things that mimic real physical ailments, I’ve been there and the knowledge here and through my video will help.
you are excellent dennis I am suffering with menopausal anxiety and fear and panic never was like this before I watch your videos on a regular basis and you have make my life and my health so much better I could not believe how having anxiety could give you so many body sensations scary ones and being so afraid to be or go any where on your own or even drive places no of this was ever a problem before menopause started I love your videos you are my hero for life you helped me to get my self back on track thank you so much and glad I found you on the internet keep up the good work agnes from Ireland xx
Much love Agnes.