Everyone gets nervous, anxious or worried from time to time by things like public speaking, major life changes, financial issues, and difficulties with work or home life. For some people, these worries become so bothersome and intrusive that they can take over their lives.
So how do you know if your worries have crossed the line into an anxiety disorder? The distinction between what is normal anxiety and what constitutes a diagnosis isn’t always clear. Take a look at 9 common symptoms below. If you experience any of them on a regular basis, it may be worth having a conversation with you primary care physician or make an appointment with someone you can speak to.
- Excessive Worry
Worrying too much about everyday things, both large and small. - Sleep Problems
Trouble getting and/or staying asleep. Chronically lying awake with racing thoughts about something specific or nothing at all. - Irrational Fears
Fear becomes overwhelming, disruptive, and/or disproportionate to the actual threat. - Muscle Tension
Clenching your jaw, balling up your fists, constant tension in neck and shoulders. - Digestive Issues
Stomachaches, cramping, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea. - Self-Consciousness
Feeling as if all eyes are on you, difficulties eating/drinking around others. - Panic
Experiencing sudden feelings of helplessness, pounding heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, tingling or numbness in hands, feelings of being choked. - Perfectionism
Constantly judging yourself, worrying about making mistakes or falling short of expectations or standards. - Self-Doubt
Constantly second guessing oneself, problems making decisions asking “What if?”.
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