AM I FEELING ANXIOUS OR IS THIS ANXIETY DISORDER?

“You can feel your heart pounding out of your chest.”

“Your forehead is damp with sweat.”

“Multiple thoughts are racing through your mind.”

Whether you are preparing to make a presentation at the office, going to a party in the evening, or saying “I do” at your wedding, you may simply be feeling anxious.

All of us feel apprehensive before a stressful situation. This could even be a positive situation and not necessarily a negative one. Some amount of anxiety is helpful and necessary. It motivates you to prepare better for what lies ahead. It is part of your inherent survival mechanism. When your autonomic nervous system prepares you for a situation, you may notice bodily reactions such as sweating or a racing heartbeat.

 

So, when do we say it is an anxiety disorder?

People who have an anxiety disorder tend to experience intense feelings of worry regardless of the situation. They may find it difficult to cope with everyday issues that most people manage without significant distress. When your level of apprehension and your physical response are proportionate to the situation, you are probably experiencing anxious feelings rather than an anxiety disorder. However, if your thoughts are overwhelming, your worry feels excessive, and you perceive situations as threatening even when they may not be, you might be dealing with an anxiety disorder. People with an anxiety disorder often have a distorted estimation of danger.

The important thing to remember is that anxiety is often treatable. It can sometimes be difficult to understand where you stand, especially when the situation itself is stressful. Whether you are feeling anxious or suspect you may have an anxiety disorder, speaking to a professional counsellor can help you navigate and overcome this challenge.