Whether it is during a stressful life transition, before a big presentation, when something unexpected occurs, or on a regular basis, feeling anxious is something we all may experience at one point in our lives. It is a natural reaction to stress, overwhelm or when our system detects a potential threat. However, when anxiety is persistent or excessive, and interferes with daily life, it can become difficult to manage. Thus, recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety is an important step towards understanding and managing it.
What is Anxiety?
Our nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system, detects and responds to perceived safety and threat. This system controls our fight, flight, and freeze response. When it detects feelings of apprehension, uneasiness, fear of future events or outcomes, or other cues of threat, it can create physical, emotional, and even behavioural symptoms of anxiousness.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Physical Symptoms:
- Racing heart: you may feel as though your heart is pounding or even skipping beats
- Shortness of breath: it may feel as though you can’t catch your breath, even if you are not moving
- Muscle tension: your muscles may tighten, commonly in the shoulders and neck
- Temperature changes: you may sweat or even feel clammy/cold, even without any physical exertion
- Light-headedness: you may feel faint or unsteady
- Fatigue or insomnia: you may feel exhausted even with a good night’s sleep, or have difficulties falling or staying asleep
- Digestive issues: due to the strong connection between the brain and digestive system, the body’s stress response becomes activated, sometimes disrupting normal digestive processes
Emotional Symptoms:
- Excessive worrying: you may notice yourself constantly worrying or thinking about past or future situations and outcomes
- Irritability or Agitation: you may feel on edge, agitated by yourself or others, and an inability to relax or sit still
- Fear of not having control: you may over-analyze or worry about things you do not have control over, leading to feelings of helplessness and concern
- Difficulty concentrating: your mind may feel easily distracted or ‘foggy’
Behavioural Symptoms:
- Avoidance: you may notice yourself avoiding situations or individuals who trigger anxious feelings, even if they may be a typical part of your everyday life
- Panic attacks: these are sudden, intense episodes of fear or physical discomfort, including chest paid, an increase in heart rate, nausea, tingling or numbness, and so forth. It is often accompanied by an intense fear of dying or losing control
- Compulsive Behaviours: repeating certain actions to minimize symptoms such as washing your hands, checking locks, or counting
When to Seek Help
If anxiety is beginning to interfere with your work, schooling, relationships, or ability to engage in day-to-day tasks, talking to a trusted therapist can be helpful. Some signs that may indicate support is needed include:
- Anxiety that is present most days
- Avoiding tasks, social situations, or people due to fear or anxious feelings
- Uncomfortable physical symptoms
- The presence of panic attacks
- Or feeling as though as you are sacrificing areas of your life to minimize feelings of anxiety or distress
Final Thoughts
Although anxiety is a human experience, we all experience symptoms on a continuum. Knowing how the signs of anxiety present themselves for you, along with how they are impacting your life, can help you take control. Whether through self-care, therapy, or other forms of support, recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards feeling better. If you or someone you care for is struggling with anxiety, know that help is available. Call Mindset First today to connect with a therapist specialized in anxiety who can help you better understand your symptoms of anxiety and how to cope.
