Wondering if what you’re feeling are anxiety symptoms? Ever feel nervous, stressed, crankxious, uptight, or freaked out? Worried about some future event that likely will never happen? If yes, then maybe an anxiety disorder is in play. Keep reading, my friend.
From time to time, we all have concerns about the future. Events like job interviews, Tinder dates, learning new skills, and taking tests can lead to feeling anticipatious (it’s in the Urban Dictionary;). It’s absolutely natural to feel stressed, when you’re under pressure. This feeling is temporary, and usually subsides once the event is over.
Folks with anxiety disorders, have concerns about the future that are overwhelming. It leaves them feeling out of control, incapable and fearful. People with these types of disorders are expert worriers. They can’t stop feeling that something bad is going to happen–they might not even be able to tell you what it is they fear.
It’s not written in the stars. People aren’t born with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders develop over time, as a result of defense mechanisms that were repeatedly triggered. Check and see if you have any of these common anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety Symptoms: The Usual Suspects
If you have one or all of these typical symptoms, and can’t just ‘will’ them away, then you might have an anxiety disorder.
- Feelings of constant tension, worry or edginess.
- The anxiety interferes with work, family or school.
- Your fears seem irrational, yet you can’t get rid of them.
- You avoid situations or activities because they cause you anxiety.
- You experience sudden and unexpected panic–possibly even full-blown panic attacks.
- It feels like danger and catastrophe is waiting for you around every corner.
As well as the anxiety symptoms of unrelenting irrational worry, other common indicators include:
- Irritability and bitchiness.
- Feeling foggy or blank.
- You’ve become an expert at anticipating worst case scenarios.
- Concentration problems. Squirrel!
- Overthinking about overthinking–or just overthinking everything!
- You’re on guard and watch for signs of danger.
- You experience general feelings of apprehension or dread.
- With or without your cup of morning jo, you’re tense and jumpy.
Anxiety’s Physical Symptoms
Anxiety is more than an emotional feeling. It’s the product of the body’s defense mechanisms. Because it’s the result of the fight-or-fight response, it comes with a wide range of physical symptoms too.
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension or twitches
- Shaking or trembling
- Insomnia
These physical anxiety symptoms can be alarming, and they are sometimes referred to as panic attacks. Some sufferers mistake the symptoms for a medical illness. It often means many trips to the doctor, before a disorder is finally recognized.
Anxiety Help
Anxiety feels like a shit-storm. It sucks. We want you to know that anxiety symptoms are highly treatable. You don’t have to go on meds (unless your doctor says so) and you’re not crazy. Being a worry aficionado is not a life sentence. You can break free from this pattern. When you’re ready, we can help. Feel free to book a risk-free consultation to find out more about how we can help you.
