What Are The Symptoms of Anxiety?

November 12, 2021

What Are The Symptoms of Anxiety?

Are you anxious or do you maybe think that you are? Do you have butterflies in your stomach as you go throughout your day? Although symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person, the body reacts to anxiety (and stress) in a very specific way and has for thousands of years. In this article we discuss different anxiety symptoms, the definition of anxiety, panic attacks, and more. 

Anxiety Disorders

As of 2021, anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million adult Americans each year. These disorders can alter how a person processes emotions, behaves, and as a result physical symptoms may manifest. Unfortunately, only 36.9 percent of individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder receive treatment.  

The Definition of Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by worried thoughts, feelings of tension, and physical changes like a rapid heart beat and increased blood pressure. 

Symptoms of Anxiety 

Generalized anxiety symptoms can vary. There may be times when your worries don't completely consume you but you still may feel anxious for no apparent reason. Worries can shift from one concern to another and may change in severity with time. Some common symptoms of anxiety are: 

• Persistent worrying about one particular thing or an accumulation of things
• Difficulty handling uncertainty
• Inability to relax and "take it easy"

Physical symptoms can include: 

• Trouble sleeping 
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension or muscle aches
• Sweating
• Irritability 
• Upset stomach or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders as classified by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders. In previous editions, anxiety disorders included post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and acute stress disorder. These disorders, however, are no longer grouped under anxiety. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic disorder often involving long-lasting anxiety and feelings of nervousness about nonspecific life events. This is the most common anxiety disorder and unfortunately, many people with this condition are not able to identify their specific cause of anxiety. 

Panic Disorder 

This disorder can be characterized by intense sudden attacks of terror and apprehension. When this happens shaking, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties can follow. 

Panic Attacks 

Panic attacks occur and escalate rapidly usually peaking after 10 minutes although can persist for hours at a time. They often strike after frightening experiences or prolonged stress. Someone who is experiencing a panic attack may misinterpret it as a life-threatening illness. 

Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack

Panic attacks are oftentimes more intense than anxiety attacks and they can also be much more unexpected. Anxiety attacks are often associated with a trigger whereas panic attacks are not. 

Overall, panic attacks usually occur without a trigger. Anxiety attacks are a response to a perceived stressor or threat. 

Symptoms Of An Anxiety Attack

Symptoms of an anxiety attack can persist for a few minutes or hours at a time. These symptoms can include: 

• Being easily startled
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Fear
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• The feeling of being choked or smothered
• Muscle pain 

Symptoms of A Panic Attack

Panic attacks often come without warning and in intense bursts. Symptoms of a panic attack can include but are not limited to: 

• A racing or pounding heart
• Intense chest pain
• Nausea
• Shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Stomach pain 
• The feeling of being choked or smothered 

Social Anxiety 

Social anxiety is a fear of negative judgment from others or social situations. This can include a range of feelings like fright, fear of intimacy, and anxiety when in large crowds for fear of public humiliation and rejection. 

This disorder may cause people to avoid public situations and human contact altogether making everyday life extremely difficult. 

Separation Anxiety Disorder 

Separation anxiety disorder includes high levels of anxiety after separation from a person or place. This can be because that person or place provided feelings of security and/or safety. 

Agoraphobia 

Although you may have never heard of the exact word, agoraphobia is a fear and avoidance of places, events, or situations that may be difficult to escape. For example, an individual with agoraphobia may have a fear of leaving home, using elevators, or public transport. 

Selective Mutism 

Selective mutism is a form of anxiety that specific individuals may experience in which they are unable to speak in certain places or situations.  For instance, even though they may have tremendous verbal communication skills around their family or friends they are unable to conjure up words outside of this social setting. 

In the TV show "Big Bang Theory," popular male character Raj, is unable to speak to women unless he has had a glass of alcohol prior. 

Anxiety Quotes 

Quotes are an excellent way to transfer knowledge from one generation to the next and help us put things into perspective. Next time you are being a little to hard on yourself remember these helpful words. 

1. "Go easy on yourself. Whatever you do today, let it be enough," - Unknown

2. "Your anxiety is lying to you. You are beautiful. You are loved. You are enough." - Unknown

3. "Trust yourself. You've survived a lot and will survive whatever is coming." - Robert Tew

4. "Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future but from wanting to control it." - Kahlil Gibran 

5. "Stop doubting yourself. You are stronger than you know. Go show the world what you've got." - Unknown

Supplements For Anxiety

There are several well-known supplements for anxiety.  

• Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that is classified as an adaptogen. This means it can help the body manage anxiety and has been around for over 3,000 years. 
• L-theanine: L-theanine is a non-essential amino acid commonly found in black and green tea that plays a fundamental role in maintaining a healthy mental state. It has grown in popularity in recent years to help people reduce anxiety, sleep better, and unwind. 
• Valerian root: Valerian root extract is an herb native to Asia and Europe and has been around since ancient times to help increase relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. 
• Passionflower: People have used passionflower for medicinal purposes since the 16th century. Today, passionflower is commonly used to help treat anxiety and insomnia. 
• Magnesium citrate: Studies suggest that taking magnesium citrate supplements for anxiety can be quite effective. Magnesium is the fourth-most abundant mineral in the body. 
• 5-HTP: 5-HTP is an amino acid that your body naturally produces. Your body uses 5-HTP to produce serotonin, a "happy chemical."
• Rhodiola rosea: Rhodiola is classified by researchers as an adaptogen. Studies suggests it can help make you less prone to physical and mental stress and may relieve anxiety. 

Thought Calmer is an all-natural stress and anxiety relief supplement formulated by doctors and scientists, shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in individuals. This natural stress relief supplement is a unique blend of ashwagandha, l-theanine, magnesium citrate, 5-HTP, and rhodiola rosea. You can shop Thought Calmer here.  

 What Are The Symptoms of Anxiety Summary 

As of 2021, anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million adult Americans each year. Unfortunately, only 36.9 percent of individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder receive treatment.  

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by worried thoughts, feelings of tension, and physical changes like a rapid heart beat and increased blood pressure. 

Symptoms

Generalized anxiety symptoms can vary. Some common symptoms, however, are: 

• Persistent worrying about one particular thing or an accumulation of things
• Difficulty handling uncertainty
• Inability to relax and "take it easy"

Physical symptoms may include: 

• Trouble sleeping 
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension or muscle aches
• Sweating
• Irritability 
• Upset stomach or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

 Types

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Such as: 

• Social anxiety
• Separation anxiety
• Agoraphobia
• Selective mutism 

 "Go easy on yourself. Whatever you do today, let it be enough." 

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