When it comes to anxiety, occasional amounts are normal and can be beneficial to our fight, flight, and freeze responses if used in the right way. Those with anxiety disorders continually experience extreme and persistent fear or worry over most situations. Anxiety disorders can also include often panic attacks. We can also inherit traits of anxiety from our family. Our symptoms of anxiety can make anxiety misunderstood. Anxiety comes in all different shapes and forms. Be knowledgeable and aware of the signs, symptoms, and components of anxiety to help conquer it when needed.
This amount of anxiety greatly affects our life and overall well-being. Anxiety disorders can be difficult to manage and can occur at any age. Certain traumatic events can lead to anxiety. 1 in 5 Americans experience anxiety disorders (NIH, 2022).
If you live with constant worry, phobias, panic attacks, or discerning thoughts, know that this anxiety can be treated and that you do not have to live with this anxiety forever. You must be willing to take the steps to overcoming this anxiety and the symptoms that come with it.
Therapy can help us uncover what is causing our anxiety, as well as help us to create coping skills that are specific to our anxiety.
Components that can lead to anxiety disorders:
- Genetics
- Personality types
- Consistent stress
- Traumatic events
- Health problems such as chronic pain, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune disorders
- Abuse of drugs or alcohol
There are quite a few anxiety disorders, such as:
- Phobias
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety
- Panic disorder
- & More
Bizarre symptoms of anxiety:
- Consistent need to yawn
Yawning can be caused by a lack of oxygen, which can occur due to shallow breathing when having anxiety.
- Chronic indigestion
Anxiety can cause bad indigestion and gut health because of nerves and eating habits.
- Phantom vibration or ringing
This ringing is also called tinnitus, which occurs in the ear as a sign of stress.
- Tingling or tremors
This can occur in the face, hands, or anywhere in the body as an anxiety response.
- Heart problems
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations can be a sign of anxiety or a greater health condition. Reach out to a medical doctor if these symptoms persist.
- Feelings of not being in reality
Anxiety can cause us to feel disconnected or that what is occurring is not real. These symptoms can also feel like brain fog.
Therapy options for anxiety disorders:
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Integrative mental health therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- & more
Many of us are unaware that the symptoms that we are dealing with are those of anxiety. There are a wide range of anxiety disorders so it is important to identify which anxiety disorder that you may have. Anxiety disorder can be treated with many types of therapy such as CBT, ACT, EMDR, or even integrative mental health therapy.
Anxiety may also need to be treated with medications depending on severity. Be knowledgeable of the signs and symptoms of anxiety, especially the bizarre ones that we may never think of as coming from anxiety. With anxiety it is important to understand your mind and body connections to identify and work on symptoms.
A therapist can be a great tool to identify ways to overcome your anxiety. Did you know that there are counselors and social workers who have advanced training specifically in anxiety? Know that even though your anxiety may seem consuming now, anxiety can be treated to help you live a better and more fulfilling life with overall well-being.
Reference:
NIH (2022). Anxiety disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
