What is anxiety—and when is it a disorder?
Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress, uncertainty, or change. It helps us prepare for challenges like exams, presentations, or new experiences. But an anxiety disorder goes beyond normal worry. It’s characterised by:
- Excessive, persistent fear or worry, often lasting for months and affecting daily life
- Physical and emotional symptoms that are out of proportion to the situation and difficult to control
- Impaired functioning at work, in relationships, or in everyday activities
People of all ages can be affected—not just adults. Women are diagnosed more often than men, but everyone deserves support and understanding.
Common signs and symptoms
🔸 Emotional & Mental Signs:
- Persistent worrying about everyday things
- Feeling on edge, tense, or restless
- Racing thoughts or mental “blankness”
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
🔹 Physical Reactions:
- Heart racing, sweating, trembling
- Upset stomach, dizziness, or frequent bathroom use
- Shortness of breath, muscle tension, headaches
- Trouble sleeping and fatigue
Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders include a range of diagnoses, all sharing excess fear and avoidance:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing worry about everyday events
- Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense panic attacks and fear of future attacks
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of social evaluation and public situations
- Specific Phobias: Irrational fear of particular objects or scenarios
- Agoraphobia, Separation Anxiety, Selective Mutism: These disorders also disrupt life and functioning
Why anxiety and depression often go together
Anxiety and depression share biological and environmental roots—and they often co-occur. If left untreated, one can worsen the other. Recognising both is essential for effective treatment.
What causes anxiety disorders?
Anxiety develops through a combination of factors:
- Brain chemistry & genetics: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, and family history may increase risk
- Brain structure: Overactive amygdala (fear centre) responses can influence anxiety
- Life experiences: Trauma, chronic stress, or early-life adversity play critical roles
Diagnosing anxiety
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical exam to rule out other causes (e.g. thyroid issues)
- Psychological assessment using criteria from the DSM‑5 (like duration of symptoms, severity, and impact)
Effective treatments and self‑help strategies
Anxiety disorders are treatable—with many managing them successfully using a mix of:
✅ Professional Treatments:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A top-tier psychological approach
- Medication: SSRIs and SNRIs are common; benzodiazepines are sometimes used short-term
✅ Daily Self-Care Practices:
- Follow consistent sleep, healthy eating, and exercise routines
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and substances that can worsen anxiety
- Try relaxation techniques: mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling
- Build a support network and practice accepting uncertainty
When to seek help
Consider professional support if you:
- Feel anxious most days for weeks or months
- Avoid work, school, or social situations due to anxiety
- Live with panic attacks, severe worry, or physical symptoms that disrupt life
Early intervention increases the chance of better outcomes.
You’re not alone—and recovery is possible
- Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting about 1 in 3 people at some point in life.
- With therapy, medication, self-care, and support, most people lead fulfilling lives.
Reach out to a mental health professional, peer support group, or trusted friend—help is available. For assistance with your mental health, call Life Path Health’s 24/7-Helpline on 072-7900-506.
Read More:
What is High-Functioning Anxiety?
The Positive and Negative of High-Functioning Anxiety
What People With High-Functioning Anxiety Want You To Know
