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Feeling anxious or experiencing general feelings of anxiety is not usually considered a mental illness, but part of life as a human being. However, when feelings of anxiety last for a long time without respite, this can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. If you have anxiety symptoms that interfere with your daily tasks or ability to concentrate, you may be concerned that you have an anxiety disorder. Certain situations or social interactions can trigger anxiety symptoms, and being able to recognize the point at which the anxiety warrants a mental health professional’s attention can be difficult. Getting the help you deserve can begin with connecting with a licensed therapist through an online therapy platform.
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Anxiety disorders can be challenging to cope with at times
Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations that is usually characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease that can range from mild to severe. Many people experience anxiety for a variety of reasons (for example, speaking publicly, working at a new job, or meeting people for the first time). However, some people experience chronic anxiety. Persistent, excessive anxiety can make it difficult for them to function normally in multiple domains of their life.
An anxiety disorder is typically diagnosed by an accredited mental health professional. They normally use the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) published by the American Psychiatric Association, a national institute of psychiatrists, to diagnose mental illnesses.
While there is no unified theory of the cause of anxiety disorders, certain genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to their development. Having a family history of anxiety can increase one’s risk of experiencing an anxiety disorder. Environmental contributors like traumatic experiences, pre-existing medical or mental health concerns, or social factors can also increase the likelihood that an individual will develop some type of anxiety disorder.
Several different anxiety disorders exist, each of which tends to feature persistent and excessive worry regarding a specific fear (or set of fears). The DSM-5 separates anxiety disorders into generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder, among others. The following are a few general types of anxiety disorders:
Separation anxiety disorder and related anxiety disorders in children
Children can experience separation anxiety and other related anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorders are typically characterized by:
Intense fear of abandonment and separation anxiety
Worry that a sudden event will separate them from their parents
Inability to go to sleep due to worry or fear of being alone
Becoming ill when they are separated from their caregiver
Separation anxiety disorder can result from several factors, such as moving into a new house, living with an overprotective parent, and experiencing a traumatic event. This disorder tends to be more likely to occur in children who have a family history of depression or anxiety, live with overprotective parents, and have timid or shy personalities. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used in the treatment of separation anxiety disorder in children, along with interaction therapy that can teach parents how to communicate healthily with their child.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Constant worry and anxiety over any number of issues with no specific triggers can be significant symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Most people who live with generalized anxiety disorder experience a state of constant worry and anxiety over an extended period, which usually spans at least six months.
According to the DSM-5, symptoms of GAD can include:
Tiring easily; feeling more fatigued than usual
Edginess or restlessness
Impaired concentration or feeling as though the mind goes blank
Irritability (which may or may not be observable to others)
Increased muscle aches or soreness
Difficulty sleeping (due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness at night, or unsatisfying sleep)
Generalized anxiety disorder is often highly disruptive for those who live with it because they often feel they cannot control the flow of ongoing worry. The most distinct feature of GAD is that there may be no specific situations that trigger feelings of anxiety or intense fear. In most cases, individuals with GAD also report several physical symptoms that accompany their anxious feelings. Some of the symptoms may include (but are typically not limited to) muscle tension, feelings of restlessness, insomnia or irregular sleep patterns, and cognitive issues.
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Panic disorder
Panic disorder is often characterized by repeated and usually unexpected panic attacks as a form of anxiety symptoms. A panic attack can be defined as an episode that a person experiences when their body reacts keenly, quickly, and extremely to the worries and tension that trigger their anxiety. During a panic attack, a person usually feels tightness or pain in their chest. Their breathing may become rapid and shallow, and their muscles may tense up tightly. They are often unable to speak during the panic attack.
Panic attacks can further complicate the issues of anxiety since these panic attacks cannot be predicted. These feelings of stress, panic, and anxiety may occur regularly and at any time. Worrying about having a panic attack can worsen the existing condition. Panic disorders are frequently disruptive for those who live with them.
Social anxiety disorder
Previously called social phobia, social anxiety disorder is generally characterized by a constant, paralyzing fear of being watched and judged by people. Social interactions can be complicated for these individuals, as anxiety symptoms tend to worsen, and this can limit the quality of their lives. Some of the symptoms of social anxiety may include sweating, trouble concentrating, rapid heartbeat, and tightness in the chest. Many people can experience social anxiety at some point in their lives. However, if the anxiety is chronic, intense, and poses a detriment to the quality of one’s social life, a social anxiety disorder may be present.
The persistent fear, worry, and self-consciousness often associated with this disorder can lead to several issues. One of many may be selective mutism. Selective mutism may occur when a person is unable to speak in social situations, and selective mutism sometimes leads to the pausing of normal language skills. Selective mutism is usually the result of extreme fear, and it can be incredibly difficult to manage and cope with.
Specific phobias
Phobias can be viewed as intense anxiety around specific fears or triggers. An incredible sense of intense fear is usually attached to these phobias without the ability to have a healthy emotional response, which may often lead to recurrent panic attacks.
The symptoms of phobias can be similar to those of other forms of anxiety disorders: profuse sweating, muscle tension, chest pain, dizziness, and in some cases, heart palpitations.
For instance, an inability to function normally when in an area where dogs are present can be an example of a phobia. What usually happens may be that the mind immediately projects a worst-case scenario upon the sight of dogs, usually triggering fear and intense anxiety. The worst-case scenario projected by the brain can trigger a fight-or-flight response, potentially leading to panic. The result of this process can be a severe physical reaction to the sight of a dog. A specific phobia can be brought on by traumatic events as one of many risk factors, but there may be other causes of phobias as well.
Treatment of anxiety disorders
Occasional anxiety is generally a feeling that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. However, for some individuals, anxious feelings may be chronic and intense. If the above anxiety disorders are left untreated, they can take a toll on one’s quality of life.
Coping with the symptoms of anxiety disorders can sometimes be tricky. Life can trigger anxiety symptoms and other mental disorders for many people, and being able to recognize the point at which the anxiety warrants a mental health professional’s attention can be challenging.
In most cases, it is advisable to seek professional help immediately when symptoms become disruptive to a healthy life. As soon as your symptoms begin to affect your regular quality of life, it may be time to seek help from a mental health specialist who knows how to treat anxiety disorders. With the right treatment, you and your healthcare providers can manage the symptoms of this serious illness.
There may be many effective treatments available for people who struggle with anxiety disorder symptoms. Treatments for anxiety disorders can include talk therapy, anti-anxiety medication, or some combination of these modalities.
Therapy can reduce anxiety by helping a participant identify the sources of their symptoms, develop stress-management techniques, and address a potential comorbid mental health concern. The therapeutic modality a professional uses will often depend on the anxiety disorder being addressed. For example, exposure therapy can help an individual relieve symptoms of a specific phobia. Exposure therapy focuses on gradually introducing the participant to their fear in various ways.
Certain medications used to treat depression can also relieve symptoms of anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of antidepressant medications, are considered the first-line pharmacological solution for anxiety. Several other types of medication (e.g., benzodiazepines, beta blockers) may also be prescribed. Always consult a medical or mental health provider before starting or stopping any form of medication.
Self-help approaches may include lifestyle changes, support groups, and relaxation techniques, all of which can help an individual manage stress and limit the physical and emotional effects of an anxiety disorder. The treatment approach should generally be tailored to the individual’s needs, which is why the guidance of a qualified professional can be vital. Most treatment options last for about eight to 12 weeks and require regular check-ins to monitor their effectiveness.
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Anxiety disorders can be challenging to cope with at times
In the long term, therapy can be a great option for treating anxiety. With therapy, you can learn several coping strategies to use when anxiety symptoms arise. Additionally, you may receive support in preventing anxiety symptoms by learning to manage the thoughts and feelings that can trigger anxiety in the first place.
Making appointments and meeting new people, especially healthcare providers, can be a stressful experience. If you are feeling too anxious to schedule an appointment with a psychologist or therapist in person, know there are online therapy platforms that can empower you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home.
Online therapy can be a beneficial and convenient alternative to in-person therapy for several reasons. For example, in a recent study published in Technology in Mental Health, therapists reported that they were often able to reach a diverse population of clients who appreciated the convenience and therapeutic alliance that was developed during counseling sessions. Another study showed that there was generally no difference in efficacy between online and in-person therapy.
Takeaway
Anxiety that negatively impacts your everyday life can be considered a mental illness in some cases, although only a licensed professional can make official diagnoses. Separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias can all be examples of anxiety disorders. If you live with anxiety symptoms that are preventing you from living the life you desire, please reach out for professional help. You can get started by joining an online therapy platform or seeking out a therapist in your local area.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Is anxiety considered a mental illness?
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time; it can be a natural reaction to periods of unease, excessive worry, or excessive fear. For people with anxiety disorders, these anxious feelings can fade when whatever is causing them resolves. Other people, though, experience chronic anxiety that may appear for unknown reasons and last for extended periods. This seemingly constant anxiety can affect how people function and make it difficult for them to live their daily lives. This type of ongoing anxiety may be considered a mental illness.
When does anxiety become a mental illness?
The DSM-5 lists several specific anxiety disorders, including social phobia, and each has its own diagnostic criteria. Generally, though, anxiety becomes a mental illness when the symptoms are out of proportion to whatever is causing the anxiety and interfere with someone’s ability to function in their day-to-day life.
Can anxiety be cured?
There is no way to cure anxiety disorders, but treating anxiety disorders is possible. It may involve a combination of medication and therapy. Several types of therapy can be effective, but one of the more commonly used and thoroughly studied options is cognitive behavior therapy or CBT, though other approaches, like exposure therapy, may help, depending on the diagnosis. Anti-anxiety medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may also be prescribed by a doctor to help manage anxiety symptoms or control fear. These are also used to treat major depressive disorder, which may occur with anxiety.
Why do people develop anxiety?
There isn’t a single cause of anxiety disorders, but researchers suspect a combination of factors may play a role, including chemical imbalances in the brain, environmental factors, and genetics.
At what age does anxiety get worse?
There is no age at which anxiety peaks or everyone. Symptoms can fluctuate throughout the lifespan and may get worse during periods of significant life changes.
Is it normal to have anxiety every day?
Having anxiety every day may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder GAD or other anxiety disorders. When chronic anxiety appears for unknown reasons, lasts for extended periods, or is out of proportion to what is causing the anxiety, it can indicate generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or a number of other mental health conditions.
Are you born with anxiety, or is it developed?
Anxiety can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics and environment. Some research indicates that the risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder are about 30% genetic. So, if there is a history of anxiety in your family, you have a moderate risk of inheriting it. Anxiety can also be passed on through families in ways that aren’t genetic. Children may learn anxious behaviors from watching their parents and absorbing these behaviors. Anxious parents may also engage in overprotective or controlling parenting styles, which may make it harder for their children to develop a strong sense of confidence, leading to anxiety in the future.
What foods get rid of anxiety?
Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, and eating certain foods can help control cortisol and may help manage anxiety. Try foods high in B vitamins, like chicken, beef, and eggs, and those high in omega-3 fatty acids, including anchovies, avocados, olive oil, salmon, sardines, and tuna. Magnesium-rich foods, including broccoli, quinoa, shrimp, and dark chocolate, and gut-healthy foods, like Greek yogurt and sauerkraut, can also be beneficial.
What kind of doctor can help with anxiety?
If you need to talk to someone about your anxiety, making an appointment with your primary care physician can be an excellent place to start. They can rule out any underlying medical issues and may be able to prescribe medication to help you deal with your symptoms. Talking to mental health professionals can also help you learn more about your anxiety and coping skills for how to manage it so it doesn’t have such a significant effect on your daily life.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association, symptoms of anxiety may include having an increased heart rate, breathing rapidly, trembling, sweating, feeling nervous, having trouble sleeping, having difficulty concentrating, feeling tired, or experiencing gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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