Worry is something that everyone goes through from time to time; maybe you are anxious before an interview or a first date. However, if your anxiety doesn’t go away after a while, it might be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders can typically be treated through a variety of interventions. These interventions can include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Despite the fact that anxiety disorders are sometimes difficult to identify — and frequently benefit from having a precise diagnosis from a mental health professional — there are certain indications and symptoms that are prevalent among persons who suffer from the majority of anxiety treatment.
- An Absurd Level of Concern
Again, occasional worry is perfectly natural; but, for those who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), this worry is persistent and does not always go away. People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are said to be preoccupied with everyday concerns on an exaggerated scale, such as those pertaining to their health, their finances, or their families. They never stop worrying about such things, even when there isn’t a really good reason for them to do so. In addition to being difficult to regulate, this anxiety makes it challenging for patients to concentrate on the activities of daily living.
- Sleep Problems
Adults have a daily sleep need that ranges from seven to nine hours, and it’s a good indicator that something is awry in your life when your sleep routine begins to deteriorate. According to the Worry and Depression Association of America (ADAA), stress and anxiety may either directly create difficulty with falling or staying asleep, or they can exacerbate existing problems with falling or staying asleep. It is in your best interest to have a conversation with your primary care physician in order to establish the underlying reasons of your anxiety and what can be done to treat them. This is due to the fact that anxiety may lead to sleeping problems, and that sleeping disorders can lead to anxiety.
- Irrational Worries and Fears
Some forms of anxiety are not at all generalized; rather, they are associated with a particular circumstance or entity, such as flying, animals, or large groups of people. Phobias are a kind of anxiety disorder, and one of the obvious signs of this condition is when a person’s dread becomes overpowering, disruptive, and grossly disproportionate to the real danger involved.
Even though they have the potential to be debilitating, phobias are not always visible. In point of fact, they may not become apparent until you are forced to deal with a certain circumstance and realize that you are unable to overcome your anxiety. According to Winston, a person who has a phobia of snakes may live their whole life without ever encountering one.
- Muscle Tension
Anxiety disorders are often accompanied with almost continual physical tension, whether it takes the form of clenching one’s jaw, balling one’s fists, or flexing muscles throughout one’s body. People who have been affected by this symptom for a significant amount of time may become numb to it after a period of time since it may be so enduring and all-encompassing.
According to Winston, maintaining a regular exercise routine may help keep muscular tension under control; but, if a person’s training routine is interrupted by an accident or some other unanticipated occurrence, the tension may return.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There are occasions when worry may create more than just the sensation of having “butterflies in your stomach.” According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), some of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorders include digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhoea, and indigestion.
Even though there are things you can do on your own to alleviate the GI pain that is caused by anxiety, such as taking deep breaths, engaging in regular exercise, and even following daily guided meditations, the most effective course of action for you would be to seek the assistance of a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety and who can devise a treatment plan.