Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders each year.
If you think you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, there are a few signs that you can look for. In this article, we will discuss 15 ways to tell if you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder. Keep reading for more information!
Ways to Tell Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by feeling excessive worry or fear. It can be quite debilitating and affect your day-to-day life. Here are some signs that you may have anxiety disorder.
#1 – You’re often worried
If you find that you’re always worrying, it could be a sign of anxiety disorder. Worrying is a common symptom of anxiety disorder. You may worry about things like your health, finances, or relationships. This worry can be constant and overwhelming. It can make it hard to focus on anything else.
#2 – It’s hard to concentrate on daily tasks
Anxiety disorder can often make it hard for people to concentrate on daily tasks. Sometimes it feels like there’s a voice in your head constantly nagging you and you can’t seem to shake it. Other times, it’s just the general feeling of unease that makes completing simple tasks feel impossible.
#3 – When you get stressed, it is very difficult to calm down
If you have an anxiety disorder, you may find that when you get stressed, it is very difficult to calm down. This can be due to the fact that your body is constantly in a state of fight-or-flight mode. When this happens, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can make it hard to relax.
#4 – Your heart rate gets sky-high for no reason
Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms like an increased heart rate. This is because when your body is in a state of anxiety, it is preparing for fight-or-flight. This means that your heart rate and blood pressure will increase in order to send more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
#5 – You feel restless and on edge
If you are constantly feeling restless and on edge, it could be a sign of anxiety. This is because when you are anxious, your body is in a state of high alert and is preparing for fight-or-flight. This can make you feel like you need to move around or keep yourself busy in order to release some of the tension you are feeling.
#6 – You’re always tired
If you are suffering from anxiety, you may find that you are always tired. This is because when your body is in a state of high alert, it takes a lot of energy to maintain. This can leave you feeling exhausted both mentally and physically.
#7 – You’re irritable or moody
Anxiety can also make you irritable or moody. This is because when you are anxious, your body is producing a lot of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones can have an effect on your mood, making you feel more irritable or on edge.
#8 – You have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Anxiety can also make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is because when you are anxious, your mind is racing and it can be hard to quiet down enough to fall asleep. Additionally, anxiety can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart which can make it difficult to stay asleep.
#9 – You experience panic attacks
A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense anxiety and fear. Panic attacks can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and more. If you have experienced a panic attack, it is likely that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder.
#10 – You tend to isolate yourself
When you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, it can be difficult to socialize and be around others. This is because you may feel like you are not good enough or that you will be judged. As a result, you may start to isolate yourself in order to avoid these feelings.
#11 – You have specific and irrational fears
Do you have a fear of flying, heights, or public speaking? If so, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. People who suffer from anxiety disorders often have specific and irrational fears that can be debilitating.
#12 – Your muscles are sore and tense
Anxiety can cause your muscles to become sore and tense. This is because when you are anxious, your body is in a constant state of “fight or flight” mode. This causes your muscles to tighten up in order to be ready for action.
#13 – You feel faint or dizzy
Anxiety can also cause you to feel faint or dizzy. This is because when you are anxious, your body is not getting enough oxygen. This can cause you to feel lightheaded and dizzy.
#14 – You have sweaty palms or feet
Anxiety can cause your palms and feet to sweat. This is because when you are anxious, your body is trying to cool itself down.
#15 – You have indigestion or an upset stomach
Anxiety can also cause indigestion or an upset stomach. This is because when you are anxious, your body is not able to digest food properly. This can cause you to feel nauseous and have an upset stomach.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve outlined, it might be time to consult with a mental health professional. Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and prevent you from living your best life.
However, there is hope. With the help of a qualified therapist or counselor, you can manage your anxiety and start to live a fuller life.
Have you been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder? What strategies do you use to cope? Let us know in the comments below.
