Most people have experienced anxiety at one point or another. Situational anxiety can affect anyone, but there are people who experience more intense anxiety that is long-term and requires treatment. They are referred to as anxiety disorders, and each one is marked by its own unique set of symptoms.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Individuals with GAD usually suffer from an unbridled amount of fear that occurs frequently over a six-month period. Symptoms include:
- Tendency to think about the worst possible scenario
- Sleep disturbances, restlessness, or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is a fear of being separated from an attachment figure in anticipation or physically experiencing separation from an attachment figure. Symptoms include:
- Severe distress or physical symptoms when anticipating or experiencing separation from an attachment figure
- Uncontrollable worrying or having nightmares about losing the attachment figure, or harm being caused to that figure via illness, accident, injuries, or death
- Reluctance or refusal to leave or sleep away from the home without the attachment figure
Social Anxiety Disorder
Previously referred to as social phobia, social anxiety is marked fear or anxiety about social situations, primarily due to a fear of being scrutinized or humiliated by others. Symptoms include:
- Excessive thoughts about being negatively evaluated, embarrassed, or rejected
- Heightened sense of fear that results in the development of acute anxiety while discontinuing or enduring social situations
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a consistent, abrupt rush of intense fear and anxiety that peaks in just minutes, commonly known as panic attacks. Symptoms include:
- Accelerated heart rates and palpitations
- Sweating, trembling, shaking
- Shortness of breath or feelings of suffocation
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, chills, or heat sensations
Phobias
A phobia is a fear or avoidance of objects or situations, even if they pose no threat. Phobias can develop regarding several things such as water, heights, animals, germs, or even being away from one’s phone (nomophobia). Phobias can be so severe that they cause panic attacks.
Anxiety disorders are serious mental health conditions that make it extremely difficult to operate in critical areas of functioning. At Valiant Living, we are committed to helping men overcome mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Anxiety can be crippling, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living the life you deserve. If you or someone you love is suffering from an anxiety disorder or other mental health condition and would like to learn how to take your life back, contact us today at (303) 952-5035.
