10 symptoms of an anxiety disorder

We worry from time to time and it’s normal. However, if worry, constant fear and anticipation of something bad happening became a part of your daily life, it may be a sign that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders differ but they have some common symptoms. We made a list of 10 most common anxiety symptoms for you to help you decide whether you need to visit your doctor and start taking anxiety medications or not.

1. Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep during the night. If you need more than an hour to fall asleep and frequently wake up during the night in normal days when no significant events happen, you may suffer from anxiety. Do not panic, make a diary documenting every night you had such trouble and consult your doctor only if the symptom persists over a month or two consecutive months.

2. Tension in certain muscles. If you feel the constant tension in certain muscles or notice that you frequently clench your teeth or fists without any triggers from the outside world, for example, when somebody is being rude to you, it may be another sign of anxiety.

3. Excessive fear of public appearances. Almost everyone is scared of giving a speech before a big audience. It is normal to have a restless sleep the night before an important public event but if you lose peace of mind and permanently think about an upcoming event even months before it, you may need a help of a specialist.

4. Panic attacks. If you have frequent panic attacks, for example, at least twice a month, it may be a sign of a nervous disorder. The attacks can only worsen anxiety and cause depression since the fear of panic attacks itself can be grueling.

5. Persistent worry about everything. Worry that doesn’t come away is one of the most common yet easily overlooked symptoms of anxiety. For example, if you worry that you have a serious disease in even the slightest ache, at a first though it may seem normal. But if the thought persist and you cannot get a peace of mind even after being properly tested, you may need help with your anxiety.

6. Irrational fears. Though irrational fears are commonly attributed to phobias, they have a lot in common with anxiety.

7. Digestion problems. It is commonly assumed that if you have pains in your stomach, heartburn, nausea, bloating, and so on, that you have problems with your digestive tract. However, it is proven that nervous disorders play a significant role in the development of such symptoms.

8. Compulsions. Compulsions are actions you perform persistently and repetitively sometimes without even realizing it. For example, some people bite nails compulsively till they have no nails at all. Do you remember how in cartoons worry and anxiety are illustrated? Exactly, with a character biting his or her nails. However, compulsions can be different. Some people cannot stop washing their hands until they soap them a certain number of times, and so on.

9. Fear of socializing. As we have already mentioned, excessive fear of public appearances is not healthy. If you are afraid of even socializing with your college mates or co-workers, it may be another symptom of anxiety.

10. Being obsessed with perfection. People are not perfect and we rarely can do something perfectly. If you cannot be satisfied with what you do and constantly feel disappointed with your work, hobby, and even your appearance, you need to lower your expectations and don’t judge yourself too strictly. It’s easier said than done so we advise you to consult a qualified specialist and start your treatment as soon as possible to enjoy your life to the fullest!