Anxiety is the most common type of mental illness in the United States. It's the brain's way of alerting you about a looming danger, such as running into a problem with someone, facing a test or interview, or being in a dangerous environment. It's primarily characterized by an intense feeling of fear, terror, or worry that ends after solving the underlying issue or once the occasion causing the alert elapses.
However, you need to be cautious when you realize that you constantly worry about almost every situation; the feeling affects your daily life and overwhelms you. Most people with an anxiety disorder find the constant episodes of intense fear, terror, and worry escalating within minutes.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?
There are different types of anxiety disorders, and your symptoms may differ depending on the kind of disorder you're struggling with. However, this article lists some of the most common symptoms that cut across the thread, broken into how they affect you physically, mentally, socially, health-wise, and behaviorally.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
You know you're struggling with anxiety if you notice you're constantly:
- Sweating without cause
- Trembling
- Fatigued
- Breathing rapidly
- Experiencing hair loss
Mental Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety affects your mental health in several ways. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Lack of concentration
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Wanting peoples' assurance
- Worrying that things will get worse
- Stressing that your anxiety is worse
- Feeling tense, nervous, or restless
Behavioral Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety may also cause specific behavior changes. Some of the most common behavioral signs of anxiety are:
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Fearing some animals, situations, or places
- Being easily irritable
- Avoiding places and situations that make you feel embarrassed, anxious, or annoyed
- Fearing being outside alone
Health Symptoms of Anxiety
While it may be an indication of other complications, you also need to seek counseling alongside other anxiety treatments like EMDR if you constantly feel:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal complications
- Changes in sex drive
- Headaches, stomach aches, and other unexplained body pains
- Dry mouth
- Fainting
Social Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety affects your confidence and ability to socialize. You need to take precautions if you struggle with:
- Using public transportation
- Being in crowds
- Starting and maintaining relationships
- Keeping a job
- Trying new things
- What people think or feel about you
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many unexpected changes, and almost everyone is struggling with their mental health. Anxiety is one of the most common disorders and can be very dangerous if you don't address the symptoms early. In severity, the condition can lead to depression or suicide.
You or your loved one may have an anxiety disorder if you have these symptoms. Connect with a medical health professional who can diagnose and help you get treatment. If you live in Oregon, make a telehealth appointment with our mental health experts at BCB Therapy and start your treatment journey today.