Anxiety is a common human emotion that many individuals encounter on occasion. In truth, the stress response known as “fight or flight” is a useful response in perilous circumstances. However, how can you tell whether your anxiety has changed from being normal to an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a mental health condition that may be identified when your excessive worrying interferes with your day-to-day functioning. This suggests that you could be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or another anxiety-related illness. Because the symptoms of GAD and normal anxiety are similar, it may be difficult to distinguish between the two. Continue reading to get the answer to this question and discover how to distinguish between GAD and normal anxiety from chronic anxiety.

What Is the Feeling of Anxiety?

The most crucial thing to remember about anxiety is that it’s a common occurrence and perfectly natural. There are several common worries that might lead to anxiety. For instance, anticipating the outcome of a medical examination or believing that someone has made a disparaging remark about you. Anxiety may also be advantageous; for example, it might motivate you to study more for an exam or drive more cautiously during a downpour.

Anxiety affects people in various ways, but generally speaking, it may have the following effects on your physical and mental health:

• Feeling uneasy or unable to unwind.
• The impression that time is passing more quickly or more slowly.
• Ruminating on the possibility of anything negative happening.
• The feeling of a churning stomach.
• Having lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Angry or unable to remain still.
• Rapid respiration.
• An erratic or rapid heartbeat.
• Sweating or heated episodes.
• Needing to use the restroom more or less regularly.

The Distinction Between Stress and Anxiety

There is a fine line between anxiety and stress. While both are emotional responses, stress is often brought on by an outside factor. A job deadline is an example of an urgent trigger. Long-term triggers include chronic illnesses. Physical and emotional signs of stress include irritation, soreness in the muscles, gastrointestinal problems, and trouble sleeping.

On the other hand, anxiety is defined by intense, ongoing concerns that occur even in the absence of a stressor. The symptoms of anxiety are almost the same as those of stress, yet comparable coping strategies work well for both low stress and mild anxiety. Coping mechanisms may not be enough to reduce your stress or worry; in such case, you may have persistent anxiety that requires medical attention.

Anxiety Disorder in General

Persistent anxiety is a common feature of GAD, and it’s not limited to stressful events. GAD patients have severe, ongoing anxiety that interferes with their daily functioning. Even seemingly little things, like doing housework or being late for work, may cause overwhelming concern and the sense that something awful will happen in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

You could have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) if the specific symptoms are present most days for at least six months. These include so much concern that it interferes with day-to-day functioning, including working or socializing, and physical symptoms:

• Experiencing anxiety in relation to many events and activities.
• Having trouble putting an end to worries.
• Having trouble carrying out daily duties.

In order to diagnose GAD, three or more of the following symptoms must also exist:

• Sensing tense or anxious.
• Growing weary easily.
• Finding it difficult to focus.
• Having tense, irritated muscles (such as a stiff back or jaw).
• Having trouble falling asleep.

Anxiety vs. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

It’s critical to recognize the difference between anxiousness and more severe symptoms. Anxiety in general makes us more aware of our surroundings. On the other hand, GAD, or clinical anxiety, is a recognized illness.

Is It Possible to Self-Test for Anxiety?

Only mental health specialists with the necessary training may diagnose anxiety disorders. On the other hand, there are plenty of instruments at your disposal to assist you in monitoring your propensity for anxiety or the development of chronic anxiety. One of the most used instruments for gauging the intensity of anxiety symptoms is the Hamilton rating scale (HAM-A). The fourteen-item test examines anxiety’s psychological and physiological manifestations. Each item on the HAM-A questionnaire is evaluated from 0 to 4, with a total score of 25–30 indicating severe anxiety, 18–24 indicating mild to moderate anxiety, and a score of less than 17 indicating mild anxiety.

Coping Mechanisms for GAD and Anxiety

The following coping mechanisms, whether they are for clinical or typical worry, may greatly help you:

• Intense respiration. Breathe in gently through your nose until your abdomen and chest expand, and then release the air slowly through your mouth. Until it starts to work, keep doing this for two to three minutes.
• Recognize your nervous thoughts. Recognize any ideas that are making you feel afraid. “What if?” comments, such “What if this happens?” or “What if I failed?” are prevalent in many of these ideas. Warm and encouraging phrases like “I’ve dealt with this before and can deal with it again” or “I can control my anxiety and still deal with this situation” should be used in lieu of the self-talk that is causing you worry.
• A nutritious diet. Healthy eating, avoiding stimulants like coffee (which have been found to exacerbate anxiety), getting regular exercise, and engaging in creative activities may help you find your purpose in life and distract your mind from anxious thoughts.

Concluding

Understanding the distinction between anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will help you decide which coping mechanisms are most likely to work for you and what sort of professional support you need.