Navigating the Waves: Unraveling the Symptoms of Anxiety

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's not uncommon to feel a flutter of nervousness before an important event or experience a surge of worry when facing challenging situations. However, when these feelings become overwhelming and persistent, it might be a sign that something more significant is at play – ANXIETY. Perhaps reading that word in all caps gave you a surge of that feeling as well.

Fear and anxiety in and of itself is neither good nor bad. They are emotional responses that tell us when we are in or about to be in danger and prepares our body to act (ie. the fight or flight response). However, when this response is out of proportion to the threat or persists longer than needed, it can get in the way of our everyday lives and cripple us from even enjoying our free time.

So how do we know if this is an anxiety disorder? Let’s explore some symptoms to help figure out if you might be grappling with this common mental health issue and whether seeking further evaluation and treatment could make a positive impact on your well-being.

How we may experience anxiety in our minds:

Excessive worry and fear 

One of the hallmark symptoms of anxiety is the constant presence of excessive worry and fear. It's natural to sometimes feel concerned about certain aspects of life, but individuals with anxiety disorders find it challenging to manage these apprehensions. Everyday activities, both big and small, can trigger an overwhelming sense of unease, making it difficult to function in their everyday lives.

Restless/rumination and irritable

Restlessness and irritability can also be a symptom of an anxiety disorder. You might find it hard to sit still as if a continuous undercurrent of tension is coursing through your body. Or while you are sitting, your mind is replaying and ruminating on the same scenarios that happened earlier in the day. This heightened state of arousal can make it difficult to relax and enjoy the present moment.

Difficulties concentrating

Anxiety can hijack the ability to concentrate and make decisions. If you often find yourself getting lost in a fog of worry, having a hard time making a simple choice, or struggling to read/ listen to a podcast when you didn’t have this issue before, exploring and treating the anxiety can often resolve the concentration problem.

How we may experience anxiety in our bodies:

Physical symptoms 

Anxiety symptoms can manifest as physical ailments without apparent medical causes. Muscle tension, headaches, and stomach issues are common physical manifestations. Other symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness may signal an oncoming panic/anxiety attack. Because there are physical illnesses that share these symptoms, it is important to have proper evaluation to rule out any medical conditions. (This is where psychiatrists can help too!)

Fatigue

Fatigue can also be a sign of excessive worry. The racing thoughts, rumination, and heightened alertness can take up quite a bit of your energy leaving you feeling wiped out and exhausted.

Sleep issue

Anxiety can affect your sleep patterns. For example, you may lie awake the night before a major presentation, imagining various scenarios of how your audience may react. Or going through all the interactions of the day, replaying your conversations, and second guessing if you have finished your work checklist when you should be sleeping. If you find yourself lying awake at night with a racing mind or experiencing frequent nightmares, it could be an indicator of an underlying anxiety disorder. Conversely, some individuals might notice an increased desire to sleep as a way of escaping the challenges that provoke anxiety.

How we may behave in response to anxiety:

Avoiding social interactions

Individuals with anxiety often develop coping mechanisms, such as avoiding situations that trigger their anxious feelings. Sometimes that anxious feeling has to do with fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection, leading them to withdraw from others. For those experiencing social anxiety, they may cope by avoiding new people or group gatherings. While this might provide temporary relief, it can limit personal growth, increase a sense of isolation and reinforce anxiety in the long run.

Avoiding specific situations or objects that causes intense fear

Some may experience specific phobias where they may avoid situations or objects that trigger intense fear response. For example, those with needle phobias may avoid blood draws or vaccines that are important for their health. Those with a fear of flying may skip important life events to avoid being on an airplane. Again, while this might provide temporary relief, long term avoidant behavior can prevent you from fully participating in your life.

Conclusion

If you find yourself resonating with the scenarios mentioned above or experiencing some of these anxiety symptoms, it is important to acknowledge that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Anxiety is treatable, and various therapeutic approaches, including talk therapy, medication, and other holistic approaches can significantly alleviate symptoms. Sometimes the source of your anxiety may not be clear at first. In this case, a comprehensive assessment and exploring all aspects of your life can be invaluable so that the appropriate treatment can be implemented. 

You don't have to navigate the waves of anxiety alone – there is a wealth of support and resources available to help you on your journey towards healing and living a full life. If you are interested to see if I may be a good fit for your healing journey, please reach out to schedule a consultation here!