Let’s keep it real, shall we? Anxiety is a buzz word right now. Everyone’s got it, everyone’s talking about it including celebs and the people we follow on social media.
What exactly is anxiety though?? And do you have anxiety? Let’s break it down…
First of all, some anxiety is NORMAL and natural.
If you’ve been reading our blogs, you already know this, but anxiety is purposeful as it is part of our brain’s number one job to protect you.
If you are in a situation where it’s “scary” or uncomfortable, your brain is going to send alarm messages through your body that lets you know that you need to be aware and on guard. This includes the physical symptoms that replicate anxiety such as shortness of breath, sweating, tightness in your chest, racing thoughts. You’ve experienced this I’m sure.
However, there does come a time when you’re experiencing these symptoms without an event that caused it (public speaking, first date, etc.).
This is where you can now take a deep look at your life and what’s happening to determine if you are experiencing anxiety on a level that needs some attention. Here are five signs we’ve seen over the years that may help you decipher if you have anxiety.
1. You are worrying A LOT.
Yes, worry is a normal human emotion but if you have an anxiety disorder, you’ll take this to a whole new level. Meaning, you are worrying constantly (called racing thoughts), all day and possibly at night too. Any little worst-case scenario? You’ll examine that to the max, almost obsessing over and over about all the possibilities of this happening.
2. Your sleep SUCKS.
You can’t fall asleep or stay asleep worth shit. This means that all that worrying you’ve been doing (see above) is keeping you from falling asleep or staying asleep all night. Now, occasionally it’s normal to have a sleeping issue but if you’re having this more than 4 nights a week, then you may have an anxiety disorder.
3. You have trouble concentrating.
You can’t seem to focus on anything for longer than 3 seconds. You’re really struggling with getting some things done because you’re too busy worrying about whatever situation is in front of you and forget to accomplish tasks! While this could also be a sign of something else going on, it is still a big symptom our client’s share with us which is why it made this list.
4. You’re irritable AF.
Cranky Pants has nothing on you! You are always on edge, pissed off at every little thing, and irritated by everyone around you. This is also part of an anxiety disorder because all the stuff you’re worrying about and carrying around has sucked your energy dry so that you have little time for bullshit.
5. Physical symptoms are off the chain.
You’re experiencing more and more light-headedness, shortness of breath, pain in your chest, feeling like the room is closing in on you. These symptoms are happening often throughout the day and it seems to come out of nowhere, or, it may be happening when you’re sleeping, causing you to actually wake up! Ugh, that’s the worst.
So, there you have it! These are some common signs that you may have an anxiety disorder. Obviously, we’ll have you ask your primary care physician to assess you to see if this is true by ruling out possible physical causes, but this is a good place to start. Since we diagnose and treat anxiety in women and girls primarily, we have lots of proven methods and tricks up our sleeves to help you manage this and find some relief.
Click here to schedule an appointment now! We’ve got you!
