7 Types of Anxiety We Face in Our Daily Lives

Anxiety is not simple, as it has different ways of manifestations. Anxiety is not just nervousness, it has many psychological and physical symptoms.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder or GAD is the most widespread type of anxiety. It affects tens of millions of people worldwide and is described as a constant state of mental and/or physical stress and nervousness, either without a specific cause or without the ability to take a break from the anxiety. In other words, if you feel constantly marginalized, worried, anxious, or stressed (physically or mentally) and your life is disturbed, you may have a generalized anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety or phobia

Many people suffer from what is called "social phobia", irrational fear of social situations. A certain level of social phobia is normal. Here we are talking about shyness in public places or the discomfort that occurs when speaking in public that is natural and does not involve a problem of anxiety. When this fear starts to affect your lifestyle, it means that it is about social phobia.

Social phobia means intense shyness, and the idea of ​​socializing or talking to people around you, whether they are friends, strangers, law enforcement, and so on, causes you anxiety and fear. People with social phobia see public situations as a potential danger, living with a constant fear of being judged, observed, noticed, or avoided.

Those with a social phobia often have an irrational fear of doing something stupid or embarrassing, so they avoid exposure to various social situations, which affects their personal and professional functioning.

Panic attacks

Panic attacks usually occur unexpectedly, are overwhelming, and have both physical and emotional symptoms. These are manifested by a strong wave of fear, panic, or anxiety. Those who experience panic attacks may have difficulty breathing may sweat profusely, tremble, and have a high heart rate.

Specific phobias

Specific phobias are intense feelings of fear about objects, animals, and so on. In general, they make you think about what's worse or avoid behavior (doing whatever it takes to avoid what you're afraid of). One of the specific phobias is arachnophobia. Very few spiders are dangerous and yet many people are afraid of spiders. Other examples of such specific phobias include snakes, airplanes, storms, and blood.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

As human beings, we are always exposed to life-threatening risks. Most people are quite lucky, avoid these dangers and live a beautiful and safe life. But in some cases, they may experience either physical or emotional trauma. This can cause an anxiety problem known as a post-traumatic stress disorder. As the name suggests, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that comes after the onset of a traumatic event. Those who live with this disorder often need specialized help because it can affect their lifestyle for a long time.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

The obsessive compulsive disorder can be a very destructive anxiety disorder. People in this situation often show behaviors and fears that are not only confusing to those around them, but also to those who suffer from this condition. Compulsions and obsessions are similar, but manifest in different ways:

Obsessions

Obsessions are based on thinking. For example, those who suffer from this disorder have a specific thought, usually negative or fearful, that a person they care about is cheating on them.

Compulsions

Compulsions are based on behavior. They are a "necessity" to perform an action or activity, often in a very specific way. An obsession is worrisome, while a compulsion causes feelings of anxiety.

Regardless of its type, anxiety is not a condition that should be ignored. It is advisable to consult a psychotherapist from the first moments when you recognize anxiety as part of your life.