Anxiety is your body’s attempt to warn you of a possible threat. This is a good thing! Your nervous system is doing exactly what it is designed to do – keep you safe. There are terrific reasons why your nervous system learned to be cautious and alert. At one time, overthinking and hypervigilance increased your safety. However, today, your safety is likely not at risk as often as your nervous system tells you.
Everyone experiences stress or anxiety in their life from time to time. It could be preparing for an interview, waiting to hear about that new job, having concerns regarding your loved ones, or simply meeting a new group of people. This type of stress is normal, and when managed well, can strengthen your coping skills. However, when those worries become part of your everyday life and impact the quality of your life, you may have stepped into another realm—an anxiety disorder. Let’s dive into what anxiety disorders are and when to seek help from a licensed professional counselor.
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This is the most common type of anxiety. It is associated with fear of almost anything: what could happen in your life, a loved one’s life, or in the world. GAD is characterized by the presence of persistent fear without a valid reason. It is not the same as “normal” anxiety.
Agoraphobia
This is an extreme fear of being somewhere you cannot escape. This fear takes over one’s life and often leads to isolation, depression, and loneliness. Fear of panicking in front of others prevents one from participating in most, in not all, social situations. Extreme cases may involve fear of leaving their home entirely.
Panic Disorder
Someone with a panic disorder experiences an instantaneous and overwhelming sense of fear that within a matter of minutes leads to experiencing 4 or more of the following symptoms:
- A racing heart, or heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Numbness or tingling
- Feeling either cold or hot
- Sense of imminent death
Social Anxiety Disorder
Someone with social anxiety fears being in most types of social situations. Because they fear they are being scrutinized by everyone and don’t fit in, they avoid public settings. They may experience body shaking, stomach pain, or a racing heart. The need to flee is intense.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and PTSD
These two are no longer classified as anxiety disorders, but they do involve symptoms of anxiety.
Risk Factors
Risk factors that may contribute to developing an anxiety disorder include:
- Experiencing abuse or witnessing a traumatic event
- Certain personality types are more prone
- Depression
- A blood relative with an anxiety disorder
- Drug and alcohol use or misuse
- Major life changes such as:
- The death of a loved one
- Divorce
- Loss of job
- A health crisis for a loved one or yourself
When to Seek Help
If you suspect your anxiety is greater than what is healthy or “normal”, get help early. There are many effective forms of treating anxiety, such as EMDR and cognitive reframing.
If you choose to work with me, I will encourage you to appreciate your nervous system’s protective response. We will explore why your nervous system has learned to be cautious and alert about so many things. What was once a healthy and adaptive response, now is more harmful and dysfunctional.
Contact PS Counseling Frisco for help with your anxiety disorder before it becomes worse. Call 469-747-1826 to schedule a consultation with nationally certified licensed professional counselor Renee Cagle, LPC, NCC, or request an appointment through our secure online contact form. We offer online counseling to clients throughout Texas, and in-person counseling at our Frisco office.
Sources:
Anxiety disorders – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment (webmd.com)
