Key Anxiety Characteristics
Everyone has moments of anxiety or nervousness. Whether caused by a brief, stressful situation or a prolonged traumatic event, everyone experiences the feelings of worry, dread, and fear from time to time. However, it’s when these feelings begin to take over and affect your life in a negative way that it may be much more than a simple feeling of nervousness.
How do I Know If I have an Anxiety Disorder?
Excessive Worry. It is possible that a disorder may be present if you are having anxious or worrying thoughts more often than not for an extended period and it causes interference with your daily life.
Sleep Problems. Problems with falling asleep and/or staying asleep often plays into psychological health. Lying awake while being worried or agitated by what may seem like nothing in particular may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Muscle Tension. Constant muscle-tension, whether clenching your fists and jaw, or flexing muscles throughout the body often accompanies anxiety disorders. This may become unnoticeable after a while for those who have lived with anxiety for an extended period of time. Exercise on a regular basis can help to control muscle tension, however injuries or other disturbances can disrupt one’s routine, causing restlessness and irritability.
Digestive Issues. Problems in the digestive system such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), stomach-aches, indigestion, bloating, cramping, constipation, and gas are often caused by psychological stress and often occur with anxiety disorders.
Perfectionism and Self-Consciousness. An obsessive mindset that causes one to constantly judge and/or doubt themselves is a very common trait among those with anxiety disorders. They often feel as though they are the center of everyone’s attention, often experiencing blushing, trembling, difficulty speaking, profuse sweating, and even nausea. They may feel as though they are always falling short and making mistakes in the eyes of others.
If you feel as though anxiety is having a negative effect on your ability to lead a happy, healthy life, contact us for treatment options.