How Anxiety Disorders Affect Daily Life and When to Seek Help
Anxiety, though not fun for anyone, is a great reminder of your body and brain’s constant efforts to keep you safe and well. However, when tasked with too much input, too few tools, or not enough chance to reset and recalibrate, sometimes the anxiety knob gets turned way up without an off switch. Experiencing anxiety by no means automatically indicates that you have an anxiety disorder. However, when you begin to experience chronic anxiety that doesn’t disappear, or that pops up repeatedly without explanation, it might be time to look a little closer. Today, we’re taking a closer look at how anxiety disorders affect a person’s day-to-day life and when it’s both necessary and okay to seek help.
What are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety Disorders encompass a variety of disorders that cause excessive worry, concern, and fear. Symptoms may be difficult to control, arise without a specific trigger, and last for various periods of time. Anxiety disorders may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Separation Anxiety
- Selective Mutism
- Substance-Induced Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder due to another medical condition
These disorders present more persistently than normal stress responses. Over time, they can deeply interfere with one’s quality of life, affecting career, relationships, hobbies, and routines. For example, someone experiencing social anxiety might really struggle going to the grocery store. On the way to the store, they might rehearse what they’ll say at checkout or worry about if it’s too crowded in the store. There might be a fear or extreme discomfort at the thought of being perceived by other shoppers, and a very full parking lot might be enough to make them turn around and go home without even going inside. Eventually, the stress of the store might cause them to spend excessive amounts of money on delivery fees to avoid confronting the discomfort.
Causes and Risk Factors of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are rarely the result of one single cause but rather a combination of biological, psychological, and social or environmental factors. To put it simply, brain chemistry, genetics, traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and big life events can independently cause or collectively contribute to anxiety and anxiety disorders. Considering all these factors helps to drive home the point that anxiety is not a personal failure, but rather the outcome of many factors that can’t always be controlled. However, symptoms can be managed, and contributing factors, once identified, can often be treated or adjusted.
Signs You May Be Experiencing the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Physical tension
- Mood swings
- Chest tightness
- Agression
- Crying
Symptoms of anxiety that persist over time, recur without triggers, or interfere with daily routines should be addressed with a professional. Here’s an example:
A 31-year-old corporate employee who always considered themselves a “worrier,” but lately things have felt more intense than just daily worries. For the past several months, they wake up most mornings with a racing heart and ears pounding. By the time they arrive at work, they’re having shoulder pain from tension and find themselves snapping at coworkers over small things that should be brushed off. Sometimes, they even cry at lunch without a specific reason.
At night, thoughts race. They find themselves replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, and dreading the next day. Sleep is difficult despite being exhausted. On two occasions their chest tightened so intensely they wondered if something was physically wrong with their heart.
What’s most concerning is there is no single crisis to point to. Good day, bad day, the panic is still there.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders in Tampa, FL
The good news, if you’re experiencing chronic anxiety, is that there are many treatments for anxiety disorders. At Genesis Counseling of South Tampa, we don’t just treat the symptoms, we do our best to help you find the root cause. We also help you build the skills to cope in healthier ways when anxiety does appear. We offer therapy both in person and online, making it as easy as possible for you to seek help in ways that work best for you. Treatment for anxiety disorders is often a multifaceted approach determined between you and your mental health professional. As you grow, the approach may evolve. However, you can be sure the methods will be designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to be.
If you’re ready to seek help with persistent anxiety in the Greater Tampa area, book now at Genesis Counseling of South Tampa. We look forward to working with you to reduce anxiety and help you get back to feeling your best.
