Almost everyone feels anxious from time to time, having or experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. You may feel anxious or nervous about a particular problem at school or work, taking a test, or making important decisions. Although anxiety can be unpleasant, it can also become beneficial. For example, anxiety can help us see

dangerous situations and stay focused to stay safe. However, anxiety disorders go beyond occasionally feeling nervous or fearful. People with anxiety disorders have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fears about everyday situations. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and may cause you to stop doing things you enjoy.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias.

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – Excessive worry or dread about a series of events or activities. The intensity, duration, or frequency of anxiety and worry is out of proportion to the actual probability or impact of anticipated events

Symptoms of GAD include:

  1. Feeling restless or feeling nervous
  2. Get tired easily
  3. Difficulty concentrating
  4. Irritability
  5. muscle tension
  6. Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Panic disorder: a sudden, unexpected wave of intense fear or intense discomfort that peaks within minutes and during which four (or more) of the following symptoms occur.

Symptoms of panic disorder:

  1. Fast heart rate
  2. Sweating
  3. Tremors or shaking
  4. Feeling short of breath or suffocating
  5. Nausea or abdominal discomfort
  6. Dizziness or fainting
  7. Feelings of impending death
  8. Feelings of being out of control

People with panic disorder, in terms of frequency, may have moderately frequent attacks (e.g., once a week) for months at a time, or a short burst of more frequent attacks (daily) separated by weeks or months without any attacks. However, this diagnosis requires more than one unexpected panic attack with full symptoms.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder– It is an intense and persistent fear of being observed and judged by others in which the individual is exposed to the possible scrutiny of others. For people with social anxiety disorder, the fear of social situations can feel so intense that it seems out of their control. For some, this fear may prevent them from going to work, school, or other outdoor activities. Examples include social interactions (meeting unfamiliar people), being watched (eating or drinking), and performing in front of others (giving a speech).

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder:

  1. Blushing, sweating, or shaking
  2. Fast heart rate
  3. Difficulty making eye contact with strangers
  4. Feeling of shyness or fear of people's negative judgment.
  5. Social situations are avoided or endured with intense fear

Specific phobia– An intense fear or aversion to a specific object or situation. Although it may be logical to be afraid in certain situations, the fear that people with phobias feel is disproportionate to the real danger caused by the situation or object. Phobias can be specific to animals (snakes, dogs, and spiders), natural environment (heights, storms, and water), blood-injection-injury (needles, invasive medical procedures), or situational (elevators, airplanes). Phobias can take a toll; different for everyone and the symptoms of phobias can also vary in severity.

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Pamela Espinoza

Pamela is a student of clinical mental health counseling.

"Creating new ways to cope, navigate, and manage difficult emotions is the key to achieving and maintaining balance within ourselves. Much freedom is found in the journey of unpacking your story with a sense of curiosity and determination toward wholeness and clarity."