Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or nervousness, usually about a particular event or situation with an unknown outcome. It is common for everyone to feel anxiety occasionally.
Debilitating anxiety involves an intense or extreme sense of fear or dread about everyday situations or tasks. Some people may also refer to this excessive anxiety and worry as “apprehensive expectation.” This type of anxiety can make it difficult for a person to function.
A person who experiences persistent and overwhelming anxiety may have an anxiety disorder. Such disorders are common and highly treatable.
This article outlines the symptoms and causes of debilitating anxiety. We also discuss the treatment options available.
Anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person, but usually fall into the following three categories:
- physical symptoms
- thought patterns
- behavior
Physical symptoms
- muscle tension
- racing or pounding heart
- restlessness
- muscle twitching or tremors
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- headaches
- lightheadedness
- insomnia
- fatigue
- frequent need to urinate
Emotional
- persistent worrying
- feelings of dread or apprehension
- believing the worst is going to happen
- “all or nothing” thinking
- overgeneralizing
Behavior
- being watchful for danger
- avoiding situations or events that cause fear
- feeling irritable or frustrated in situations that cause fear
- social withdrawal
- seeking reassurance
- second-guessing
- compulsive actions, such as repeatedly washing hands
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting 40 million adults every year. This figure is equivalent to 18.1% of the U.S. population.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), researchers believe that anxiety disorders can occur as a result of both genetic and environmental factors.
- Genetic factors: Evidence suggests that anxiety disorders can run in families. Therefore, people may be more likely to have an anxiety disorder if they have relatives who have an anxiety disorder.
- Environmental factors: Traumatic or stressful life events can also trigger anxiety disorders. Examples include:
- losing a loved one
- experiencing abuse or violence
- living with a long-term illness
Other risk factors include a person’s individual brain chemistry and personality.
It is important that people seek help for debilitating anxiety. According to the ADAA, anxiety disorders are very treatable, but only 36.9% of people with an anxiety disorder receive treatment.
Due to the nature of anxiety, it may be daunting for a person to see a mental health professional. However, therapy is a highly effective and long-lasting treatment to help people develop tools to manage their anxiety. Many people may see improvements in 12–16 weeks. People can also combine therapy with medications to help manage anxiety disorders.
Anyone who is experiencing debilitating anxiety should make an appointment with a mental health professional or their doctor. They will be able to provide a person with tools, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, methods to challenge anxious thoughts, and medications, to help manage their anxiety disorder.
People may need to try different therapies, therapists, or medications to find a treatment approach that works for them. A person should always consult a doctor before stopping or switching medications or making changes to medication dosages.
Debilitating anxiety is anxiety that involves an irrational sense of fear or dread about everyday situations or tasks. This type of anxiety can interfere with a person’s everyday life.
Anxiety can manifest as physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Anyone who experiences debilitating anxiety should seek professional help. With the right help, anxiety disorders are highly treatable.
The type of treatment a person receives will depend on the type of anxiety they are experiencing, as well as their personal preferences. Treatment options include therapy, medications, or alternative treatments, such as meditation or mindfulness. A person can talk to their doctor about the different treatment options available to them.