Each one of us have had moments when we are anxious about something. Whether this involved speaking in public or going for an important job interview, it is safe to say we have all experienced some form of fear.
However, there is a clear difference between fear and anxiety disorder.
How do you tell that you have an anxiety disorder? Here are 6 signs to help you self-diagnose.
1. Crippling Anxiety
There is a difference between worrying on how a job interview went and was utterly terrified of something that you want to avoid it at all costs. The difference is usually that the emotions cause dysfunction and incapacitates and prevents you from performing certain tasks.
Certain physical symptoms may characterise the anxiety. The typical examples are dizziness, sweaty palms, pounding heart and shortness of breath. Sometimes these symptoms may include, tremors and twitches. Sometimes you may experience nausea.
2. You Worry for a long time
Most of the time when you are experiencing normal fear or anxiety, it usually doesn’t last for long. It usually lasts a year or a day at most. With an anxiety disorder, the anxiety is extended for a much longer period. You may be thinking about something for days, week after week for six months or so.
It is usually referred to as anticipatory anxiety. Some people will agonise over a public speaking event for months. They may experience bouts of panic attacks every time they think about that particular event.
3. Lack of Sleep
Some people find it hard to sleep like a baby especially if there is an upcoming event. It is not necessarily an anxiety attack. The distinction is that while this person is calm and may even close his eyes calmly, most people with anxiety attacks cannot. They will keep tossing around and may find themselves staring at the ceiling every time they think of the subject of their anxiety.
Another way you can confirm that sleep disorders you are experiencing are a sign of anxiety disorder is to watch how you feel immediately you wake up. If you were anxious at night, you would most probably feel very anxious immediately you get up from bed in the morning. The anxiety will quickly take effect as you prepare for the day. In extreme cases, you may wake up with sweaty palms, or you may have tremors and twitches.
4. Feel Anxious About Being with People
Most people, including extroverts, are anxious about speaking in front of a large group of individuals. However, this is something they have learned to overcome over time. On the other hand, people suffering from anxiety disorder, particularly people with social anxiety disorder cannot stand the thought of being around people
The idea of being a considerably large number of people is enough to trigger panic attacks. That though is usually compounded by thinking that people are acutely aware of the anxiety they are experiencing. For this reason, most people will try to avoid groups of people at all costs. Some people will avoid these situations even though it is an important aspect of their job or personal life.
5. Irrational Fears
The crux of all phobias could be said to be irrational fears. These concerns tend to be very specific, for example, the fear of certain birds, insects or even snakes. Most people will experience these fears even though they are aware that they are completely irrational or blown out of proportion. Some people fear that they are going to die. Others fear grasshoppers even though these insects have never been known to do any serious harm to any human being.
The fact that you recognise that what you feel is irrational is a defining factor that proves you are suffering from some form of anxiety. Some of these fears may become apparent only after you find yourself in an individual situation. For example, you may realise that you are claustrophobic after you get stuck in an elevator.
6. Muscle Tension
Many physiological problems may be part of frequent bouts of anxiety. These are common for those who suffer from social anxiety, but they are also typical for other types of phobias. Muscle tension is one of the physiological problems that can leave you feeling helpless and incapacitated.
The intensity of the muscle tension varies from person to person. For some people, the anxiety will manifest itself in clenching of their fists. Sometimes I would feel my jaws getting stiff and may I would not be able to talk coherently
The better way to fix the issue of muscle tension is to address the underlying issue. That is get treated for anxiety disorder. However, there are short-term solutions that can help you cope as you get help. Some of the solutions include.
Warm shower:
Spending time in the hot shower can release the tension in your muscles and help you relax.
Massage:
A good massage is a proven way to get rid of muscle tension. You can either have someone do this for you or learn some self-massage techniques that could be helpful.
Yoga:
The stretching exercises that you do during a yoga session are quite useful. The stretching and the release of muscles will help you to relax. You can turn it into a routine and do it every morning for a more relaxed day ahead. Just do what you’re comfortable.
Meditation:
A daily practice of meditation can help you come to terms with your thoughts and emotions. It will not happen instantly, but the relaxation you get from continuous practice will help you deal with the problem.
