Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue on the planet. According to the World Health Organization, there may have been a 25 percent increase in anxiety since March 2020. They’re not talking about temporary nervousness or worry. In this context, “anxiety” means “anxiety disorder.” And these conditions were around long before anyone had uttered the word “Covid.”

The first step toward addressing this problem is awareness. What does anxiety look and feel like? How do we treat it? What kind of self-help steps should be taken? In the name of self-education, let’s take a closer look.

5 Symptoms of Anxiety

Before listing possible symptoms, it is important to note that there are several different types of anxiety disorders. The most common is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Other anxiety-related conditions include but are not limited to:

• Social Anxiety

• Specific Phobias

• Panic Disorder

• Separation Anxiety

• Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Of course, each variation presents in different ways. However, here are symptom categories that usually transcend all of the disorders:

1. General Edginess

Signs like this would be what you might expect to see in anyone who is highly stressed or fearful:

• Can’t calm oneself

• Unable to sit still

• Can’t concentrate, focus, or make decisions

• Seeing danger everywhere

• An overall feeling of panic and impending doom

2. Unexplained Physical Concerns

General edginess does not exist without impacting one’s physical being. Anxiety can present itself through bodily symptoms like:

• Tight, achy muscles

• Headaches

• Hyperventilation

• Dry mouth

• Cold hands and/or feet

• Hands and/or feet tingling or numb

• Dizziness

• Racing heart rate

• Heart palpitations

3. Sleep Disturbances

Someone in a state of hyper-arousal and hyper-vigilance is likely going to struggle to get to sleep and stay asleep. In addition, the panic and doom mentioned above in #1 make it feel like sleep is risky or dangerous. Unfortunately, lack of steady sleep can exasperate any anxiety symptoms.

4. Digestive and Gastrointestinal Problems

People talk about feeling something in their gut. You might get “butterflies” before a big event. The brain and the gut work in tandem. Thus, an anxiety disorder can throw off the delicate balance. Some digestive red flags to watch for:

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Change in appetite (more or less)

• Cramps

• Diarrhea

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Peptic ulcers

5. Phobias

Phobias are a form of anxiety disorder. They can also exist as a general symptom of anxiety. You’re left to obsessively avoid people, objects, or places. All of these can be viewed as the primary source of anxiety. For example, someone with social anxiety may choose to avoid any reminder of a person or location that triggers a bad or embarrassing memory.

How to Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is a diagnosable mental health disorder. If any of the above resonated with you, it makes sense to talk with a professional. Talk therapy is a powerful source of support. Running parallel to such treatment, there are self-initiated steps that can help facilitate recovery, e.g.:

• General self-care: Safeguarding your sleep, eating, and physical activity habits each day.

• Relaxation techniques: Popular choices involve breathing exercises, mindfulness, and meditation.

• Socializing: Anxiety can convince you to isolate, but you need to be around trusted friends and family members.

• Hobbies and interests: These can enrich you and add some creativity to your day-to-day life.

Again, seeking professional help is essential. Your weekly therapy sessions can serve as a workshop of sorts. Together with your counselor, you can explore patterns, underlying causes, and solutions.

I’ve worked with countless clients who were struggling with anxiety. I’d love to help you, too. You can heal from anxiety and thrive in new ways. Let’s connect for a free and confidential consultation.