Identifying some of the top symptoms can help if you think you might be suffering from anxiety. Anxiety is normal; we all experience it in some way due to circumstances or situations. It’s our body’s response to stressful events. It can be anything from moving to a new house, taking a big test, or undergoing medical treatments to everyday life troubles like financial or family issues.
When these feelings become more than a response to normal events, they can interfere with your daily life. How can you tell if you have typical stress or something more serious? Let’s take a look at some of the simple ways to identify three top anxiety symptoms:
#1: Excessive Worrying
Everyone worries. When does it become something more? When it’s disproportionate to the events and circumstances that trigger the feelings. Do you worry daily or feel like you can’t control your worrying? Does it have an impact on your sense of well-being? If the answer is yes, you’re likely suffering from generalized anxiety disorder and not just usual concern over life events. Excessive worrying is a symptom of anxiety and includes the inability to complete daily tasks and concentrate.
#2: Feelings of Agitation
Do you know that feeling when you have someplace to be and are stuck in a traffic jam, meeting, or class? You feel annoyed, aggravated, and restless when you can’t do anything about it. That is what agitation feels like. It’s a normal response when there’s a reason for agitation, like a traffic jam, work stress, or a looming deadline. However, if you feel agitated daily, with no apparent or reasonable triggers, it could be a symptom of anxiety disorder. A physical response such as shaking hands, dry mouth, racing heart, and sweaty palms could indicate the same thing.
#3: Feeling Restless, Nervous, or Tense
Do you feel restless nearly daily? Do you tend to be nervous or tense in otherwise relaxing situations? These feelings could be an indicator of anxiety. The emotions may be related to things happening in your life or to perceived dangers or risks that might not be real. If you feel on edge or uncomfortable more often than not, it’s time to address what could be anxiety.
Do you have any of the top 3 anxiety symptoms? What now?
If you identify with any anxiety symptoms, you’re not alone. Anxiety is widespread, especially in our current fast-moving, social media-focused society. But you don’t have to suffer silently. There is help for generalized anxiety disorder, and there is no shame in getting the support you need. You deserve to live your best life, anxiety-free. At Positive Living Psychotherapy, we practice one-on-one counseling in a comfortable, safe space. Contact us today to start on the path to a better, happier life.