Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders with the unifying symptom of a persistent worry, fear, and/or distress about non-threatening everyday life occurrences. Anxiety is a normal part of our physiological makeup. Some amount of anxiety is good for us. It helps us perceive dangerous situations, stay alert, and get to safety. However, when anxiety interferes with everyday activities or causes intense fear or distress, then you may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include restlessness, irritability, headaches, fatigue, and stomach problems. According to Harvard Medical School, over 30% of all adults in the United States have experienced an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Further, over 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety. If you are concerned you may have an anxiety disorder, know you are not alone!
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with a unique subset of symptoms. Symptoms of anxiety disorders, like most mental illnesses, are both emotional and physical in origin. Here are a few of the most common:
Emotional symptoms
- Extreme nervousness
- The feeling of being powerless
- Impending doom
- Feelings of detachment
- Inability to concentrate
- Obsessive worry
- Restlessness or irritability
Physical symptoms
- Fast heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Breaking out in sweats
- Feeling tense, shaky, and/or jumpy
- Generalized weakness
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Tingling extremities
- Stomach problems, like diarrhea and upset stomach