Do I Have Anxiety? What to Know

Anxiety is increasing across the US. In fact, about 6.8 million people in America have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Worldwide, about 300 million people struggle with an anxiety disorder, too.

Have you asked yourself, “Do I have anxiety” recently? You might not realize you have an anxiety disorder until it starts impacting your daily life. Knowing how to spot the symptoms could ensure you get the help you need.

With a mental health professional at your side, you can conquer your anxiety before it interferes with your life. Read on to learn more about mental health and anxiety today!

Table of Contents

What is Anxiety?

First, let’s cover the basics. What is anxiety, exactly?

People with an anxiety disorder experience frequent, excessive, and intense worry about everyday situations. They might have repeated episodes of sudden fear, anxiety, or terror. These episodes can reach a peak within a span of minutes.

When anxiety reaches its peak, it could cause a panic attack.

Feelings of panic and anxiety can interfere with daily activities. They’re often difficult to control, too.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can start during childhood and continue into adulthood.

Types of anxiety disorders include:

Social anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder
Specific phobias

Regardless of what type of anxiety disorder you have, treatment can help.

Common Symptoms Of Anxiety

While asking yourself, “Do I have anxiety,” it helps to consider the symptoms you’re experiencing. Here are a few symptoms that can indicate you have a mental disorder like anxiety. If these symptoms sound familiar, consider visiting a mental health professional.

Excessive Worrying

One of the most common symptoms is excessive worrying. For example, you might worry about everyday situations or larger events. Worrying can impact your ability to concentrate.

You might have anxiety if you worry on most days, for at least six months.

Agitation

Anxiety can cause your sympathetic nervous system to go into overdrive. You might experience:

Dry mouth
Sweaty palms
Racing pulse
Shaking hands

If these symptoms sound familiar, you might have an anxiety disorder.

Fatigue

Do you become fatigued easily? Fatigue is connected to the hormonal effects of chronic anxiety.

It might also indicate another mental health condition like depression.

Difficulty Concentrating

You might struggle to concentrate if you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can also interrupt working memory.

Difficulty Sleeping

Anxiety can also impact your ability to fall or stay asleep. If you develop insomnia, seek help. Otherwise, insomnia can lead to additional health problems.

Panic Attacks

A panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. Panic attacks can cause debilitating, overwhelming sensations of fear. You might sweat, shake, or notice you have a rapid heartbeat

Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and nausea are common, too.