• What is Anxiety?
• How Do You Know That You Have an Anxiety Disorder?
• What Causes Anxiety?
• Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Have you ever felt extremely worried, tense, or afraid? You could be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, which affects more than 40 million adults in the United States alone. Given these staggering numbers, it is important to understand the intricacies of this emotion.

Anxiety develops differently for each individual, so it’s up to you to learn more about the condition and talk to a doctor about what you’re feeling. At Sunstone Counseling, we recognize the profound effect that anxiety can have on an individual’s life, and it can be challenging to comprehend at times. Here are a few things to look for when experiencing symptoms of anxiety and what you can do to get help.

Anxiety serves as a natural response to perceived threats or challenges, activating the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism. It’s the body’s way of keeping us alert, focused, and ready to tackle demanding situations like job interviews, exams, or first dates. Anxiety can be beneficial in moderation, motivating us to take action and solve problems effectively.

However, when anxiety becomes constant or overwhelming, interfering with daily life and relationships, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. These disorders encompass a range of related conditions, each with varying symptoms. While one person may experience sudden, intense anxiety attacks, another may struggle with persistent fears or intrusive thoughts. Regardless of the form it takes, anxiety disorders evoke an intense fear or worry disproportionate to the situation at hand. When looking for a counselor, make sure you find someone who specializes in treating anxiety.

If you find yourself experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms persistently, it could indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder:

1. Are you frequently tense, worried, or on edge?
2. Does your anxiety disrupt your ability to fulfill your responsibilities at work, school, or within your family?
3. Do you struggle with irrational fears you can’t shake off?
4. Do you believe that certain actions must be performed in specific ways to prevent something bad from happening?
5. Do you avoid everyday situations or activities due to feelings of anxiety?
6. Do you have sudden, unexpected episodes of intense, heart-pounding panic?
7. Do you often feel as though danger and catastrophe lurk around every corner?

The specific causes of anxiety can vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder you’re experiencing. However, anxiety often results from a combination of factors, including genetics and life experiences.

• Genetics: Studies of twins and families suggest that anxiety may be hereditary to some extent. This means that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety.
• Stressful or traumatic past events: Experiencing physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or bullying can trigger an anxiety disorder. These traumatic events can have a lasting impact on mental health.
• Learned behavior: Growing up in an environment where fear and negative thinking patterns are prevalent can contribute to the development of anxiety. Children may learn anxious behaviors from their parents or caregivers.
• Physical conditions: Chronic pain and certain medical conditions can also contribute to increased anxiety levels. The physical discomfort and limitations caused by these conditions can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety.
• Stressful life circumstances: Short- or long-term stressful situations, such as sleep deprivation, divorce, or the loss of a loved one, can also contribute to an increase in anxiety levels. These life events can overwhelm coping mechanisms and lead to heightened anxiety.

Aside from the primary symptom of excessive and irrational fear and worry, individuals experiencing anxiety may also encounter a variety of emotional symptoms, including:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread.
• Heightened vigilance for signs of danger.
• Anticipation of the worst outcomes.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Sensations of being tense and on edge.
• Irritability.
• Feeling mentally blank or disconnected.

However, anxiety extends beyond mere emotional experiences. It manifests in a range of physical symptoms as well, attributable to the body’s fight-or-flight response, such as:

• Palpitations or a pounding heart.
• Sweating.
• Headaches.
• Upset stomach or gastrointestinal distress.
• Dizziness.
• Increased urination or diarrhea.
• Shortness of breath.
• Muscle tension or twitching.
• Shaking or trembling.
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.

Individuals with anxiety often misinterpret their condition as a medical illness, leading to multiple doctor visits before receiving a proper diagnosis due to physical manifestations.

There is a strong connection between the symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who experience anxiety disorders often also experience depression at some point in their lives. Anxiety and depression are thought to have a common biological factor, which contributes to their frequent co-occurrence. Since depression can worsen anxiety and vice versa, it is important to seek treatment for both conditions to ensure complete care and management.

Understanding anxiety is the first step towards overcoming it. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, know that help is available. Book a session today with Sunstone Counseling, where we offer compassionate support and evidence-based treatments to help you navigate your anxiety journey.