Are There Different Types of Anxiety?
There are five major types on anxiety disorders that affect individuals far beyond the natural anxiety felt in reaction to fear or danger.
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This form of anxiety is characterized by chronic anxiety as well as exaggerated worry and tension -especially when there is little or nothing to provoke it.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves having unwanted and recurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Performing repetitive rituals, such as constant counting, checking or cleaning, only provides temporary relief while not performing them increases anxiety.
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When individuals experience a terrifying event or situation, they may develop PTSD. This type of anxiety is triggered when the individual experiences an ordeal similar to the one that caused them so much fear and/or pain.
4. Panic Disorder
While GAD tends to primarily affect individuals mentally, panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of fear paired with intense physical symptoms such as chest pains, heart flutters and dizziness.
5. Social Anxiety Disorder
Also known as Social Phobia, this form of anxiety happens in everyday social situations and can result in overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness. It can be limited to one type of social situation (such as public speaking) or broad enough that an individual experiences the symptoms whenever they are around other people.
When Should I Seek Help for Anxiety?
The short answer to that question is to seek help for anxiety as soon as your anxiety begins to impede the functioning of your everyday life.
Is your anxiety affecting your family? Your social connections? Your sleep? Your eating? Your ability to work or concentrate?
There is a line between normal anxiety and fear and excessive anxiety. Once that fear begins to impair your life, it’s time to get the help you need and deserve in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Treatment Methods for Anxiety
Yes, you can medicate yourself to treat anxiety – but no pill is going to get to the core cause of your intense and constant fear.
With my attachment-based therapy, I can help you develop a sense of self-awareness that will help you take control of your life and face your anxiety with strength and confidence.
