What are the signs & symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety is a combination of physical and psychological symptoms used to describe feelings of worry, fear and unease.

We all experience anxiety from time to time under certain situations, but when worries or fears become constant and debilitating they can interfere with our daily life and functioning.

There are different types of anxiety that you can experience. Some of the most common presentations include social anxiety disorder, where you are often afraid of social situations, and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), where you may have unrealistic worries or tensions with little provocation.

Key signs & symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can be present in many ways and can be pervasive across many aspects of your life. It is most commonly associated with physical, emotional and social symptoms.

Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety

Are you often feeling short of breath, nauseous, or lethargic? If you’re struggling with anxiety you may often experience episodes of panic attacks which can involve heart palpitations, sweating and trembling. You may also struggle with nightmares and difficulties sleeping that can leave you feeling tired.

Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety comes hand to hand with feelings of panic, fear and uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts. You may spend most of your time over-analyzing and overthinking insignificant details that other people may find normal. This can cause you to feel depressed, helpless and disconnected from others.

Social Symptoms Of Anxiety

As a result of the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety, you may also experience problems in your social life, including your performance at work or school, and your relationships. You may start to avoid situations that make you feel anxious, or avoid doing things that you enjoy. This can leave you feeling lonely and isolated.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is important that you seek treatment. Your symptoms, even when they are severe, can improve with the right interventions.

Our team at EmotionMatters can help you get your life back on track. We have a multidisciplinary team who can help you overcome anxiety:

Psychotherapists – talking therapy to break stuck patterns of thinking and ritualistic behaviour

Nutritional Therapy – diet, lifestyle and health interventions to balance your body chemistry

Psychiatry – medical assessment and anti-anxiety medications