It’s normal to feel some levels of anxiety in life, to worry about the future, or ruminate on things past. But when anxiety takes over our lives it stops us from engaging in a meaningful life and moves us away from what is important to us. 

The Many Types Of Anxiety

Anxiety comes in a variety of forms, including:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, and relationships, even when there is little or no reason for concern.

• Panic Disorder - Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, intense periods of fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, and shortness of breath.

• Social Anxiety Disorder - Intense fear of social situations where embarrassment or negative judgement may occur, leading to avoidance of such situations and significant distress.

• Specific Phobia - Intense fear or anxiety triggered by a specific object or situation, such as heights, spiders, flying, or enclosed spaces.

• Health Anxiety - Excessive worry and preoccupation with the possibility of having or developing a serious illness.

• Agoraphobia - Fear or anxiety about being in situations or public places where escape might be difficult or they might have a panic attack, crowded places, or fear of leaving one’s home.

• Separation Anxiety Disorder - Excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, leading to significant distress when anticipating or experiencing separation.

• Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder - Anxiety symptoms that are triggered by the use of substances like drugs or medications, or as a withdrawal symptom from substances.

Anxiety can look different for everyone. That’s why understanding how anxiety impacts you is important. 

What about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is relating to experiencing intrusive and unwanted thoughts, which are temporarily relieved by engaging in repetitive behaviours. OCD was once considered an anxiety disorder but now has its own seperate disorder class by DSM-5.

Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety 

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

• Shortness of breath or hyperventilation

• Tightness in the chest or chest pain

• Trembling or shaking

• Sweating

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Muscle tension or aches

• Fatigue

• Restlessness or feeling on edge

Thinking Patterns Of Anxiety

• Negative Thinking: Anxiety often leads to a tendency to focus on negative outcomes or possibilities, even when they are unlikely.

• Catastrophising: An exaggeration of the potential consequences of situations or imagining the worst-case scenarios.

• Rumination: Anxiety can lead to repetitive, intrusive thoughts about past events or future uncertainties.

• Difficulty Concentrating: Anxious thoughts can be distracting, making it challenging to focus on tasks or make decisions.

• Perfectionism: Anxiety may contribute to unrealistic expectations and a constant need to achieve perfection, leading to self-criticism and dissatisfaction.

• Selective Attention: Anxiety can cause individuals to focus more on negative information or perceived threats, while overlooking positive aspects of situations.

• Self-Doubt: There may be increased self-doubt and questioning of one's abilities or decisions due to anxiety-related uncertainties.

• Predicting Negative Outcomes: Anticipating negative outcomes or failure in situations, which can undermine confidence and increase anxiety.

• Mind Reading: Assuming what others are thinking or feeling, often in a negative or critical way.

Behaviours Of Anxiety

• Avoidance: Individuals may avoid situations, places, or people that trigger anxiety.

• Safety Behaviours: Engaging in specific actions or rituals (such as checking, reassurance-seeking, or avoiding eye contact).

• Over-Preparation: Spending excessive time preparing for situations or events to feel more in control.

• Procrastination: Delaying tasks or decisions due to anxiety about potential outcomes or fear of failure.

• Restlessness: Feeling unable to relax or sit still due to heightened anxiety levels.

• Aggression or Irritability: Anxiety can sometimes manifest as irritability or quick temper in response to stressors or triggers.

• Perfectionism: Striving for excessively high standards or over-focusing on details to avoid criticism or feelings of failure.

• Seeking Reassurance: Constantly seeking validation or reassurance from others.

• Impulsive Behaviours: Acting impulsively in an attempt to quickly relieve anxiety or escape uncomfortable situations or feelings.

When To Seek Treatment For Anxiety

You should consider seeking treatment for anxiety when it disrupts your daily life, interferes with your relationships or work, causes distress that feels overwhelming or unmanageable, as these could be signs that you are having difficulties coping with anxiety on your own. 

Treatment may also be warranted if anxiety symptoms persist over an extended period or worsen over time. Seeking help early can prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and help you move towards living a meaningful life.