ANXIETY

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What are signs to look out for?

worried you might have an
ANXIETY DISORDER?

It is a common misconception that general feelings of anxiousness, worry, fear, restlessness, stress, nervousness... means automatic anxiety disorder.

Great news... within reason, these symptoms are not only OK, they are all signs that your system is working as it should!

Just like if you were to place you hand on a hot stove top, your hand would feel pain and recoil (due to the miracle of the nervous system's pain sensors), our brains works similarly. These thoughts and feelings alert us to problems that need to be addressed.

But... when anxiety symptoms become soooooo extreme that they impair your ability to function normally in your day-to-day activities, you might want to get some help. Depending on the specific situation, your anxiety might actually be quite treatable.

Genetics, environmental stressors, individual personality characteristics, trauma and psychiatric problems can all contribute to the onset of anxiety disorders.

If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, here are some signs to look out for:

GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) is only one diagnosis within the broader anxiety disorder category.
Other common anxiety disorders include;

Phobias
Panic Disorders
Social Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
Situational Anxiety
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

According to the American Psychiatric Association, these are the DSM-5 criteria that would
"red flag" a generalized anxiety disorder;

1. Excessive anxiety and worry more days than not for at least 6 months, about multiple things
(such as work and school performance).

2. Finding it hard to control worry (Like if you consider yourself worried all the time).

3. Anxiety and worry associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms
Note: for children, it's worth getting a consultation if only one of the following symptoms are present:

Restlessness irritability or "on edge" feelings.
Easily tired.
Hard time concentrating, mind going blank, or excessive "brain fog".
Increased irritability.
Muscle tension.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

4. Anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms negatively effect social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

5. Above disturbance is not due to other factors.