Anxiety: What It Feels Like, Triggers, Types, Origins, and Finding Relief

So, Here I'm Going to Talk About Anxiety from My Experience:

• Where does Anxiety Comes From?

• What anxiety really feels like?

• What are the types of Anxiety?

• When Anxiety Hits?

• Which Anxiety Is the Worst?

• Will Anxiety Go Away?

I'll try to give my personal opinions on these very common questions that millions are still unaware of, based on my experiences in my teenage years and even now.

1. Where Does Anxiety Come From?

Ever wondered where anxiety comes from? Spoiler: it's not just in your head! There isn't a complete understanding yet, but here are some of the usual suspects:

- Genetics: Yep, thanks, Mom and Dad! Anxiety disorders can run in families. This means if your parents or grandparents had anxiety, you might be more likely to experience it too.

- Brain Chemistry: Imagine a faulty circuit in your brain that controls fear and emotions – that's anxiety. Research suggests that imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine can contribute to anxiety disorders.

- Environmental Stress: Life events like childhood abuse, losing a loved one, or witnessing violence can trigger anxiety. These stressful experiences can leave a lasting impact on how you respond to stress.

- Substance Misuse: Anxiety often hangs out with its troublesome buddies, alcohol and drugs. Withdrawal from these can make things worse. Substance misuse can initially seem to help anxiety but often leads to more severe symptoms over time.

- Medical Conditions: Conditions like heart disease, thyroid problems, and even GI disorders can mimic or exacerbate anxiety. It's important to consider that sometimes anxiety symptoms are a sign of another underlying health issue.

- Medications: Sometimes, the meds you're on (or coming off) can stir up anxiety. Certain medications, especially those affecting the nervous system, can have side effects that include anxiety.

It's crucial to get a thorough check-up to rule out other medical issues because anxiety symptoms might be the first sign of something else going on. And remember, anxiety can be a master of disguise, showing up in the most unexpected ways.

2. What Anxiety Really Feels Like?

Ever feel like anxiety is that annoying relative who shows up uninvited and overstays their welcome? Chronic anxiety is messy, unpredictable, overpowering, and insidious. Here’s a deeper dive into what it really feels like:

- Like a Knife Stabbing You in the Chest with Each Breath You Take:

  - Imagine trying to breathe with a knife in your chest – sounds dramatic, but anxiety can cause intense physical symptoms like sharp chest pains. Sometimes, it lasts for minutes; other times, it lingers for hours or days. It's accompanied by a pounding heart, sweaty palms, and tight shoulders. I've even had panic attacks that felt like heart attacks, leading to ambulance rides to the ER. These symptoms go way beyond regular worry.

- Like a Rain Cloud of Negative Speak Following Your Every Move:

  - Think of a grumpy rain cloud pouring negativity on you all day. That’s anxiety’s self-judgment voice – loud, harsh, and relentless. It’s not as easy as flipping a switch to positive thoughts. Recognizing this loop is the first step. Deep breathing techniques and journaling help break the cycle, focusing on reality-based positives rather than abstract happy thoughts.

- Like an Impostor Hijacked Your Normal Self:

  - Ever feel like your body’s been taken over by an impostor? That’s anxiety, making you feel like a blank, fidgety version of yourself. It’s like watching yourself from the outside, unable to show the real you. When this happens, I turn to my trusty tool bag of deep breathing, grounding techniques, therapy, and conversations with friends to regain control.

- Like an Explosion in Your Brain, Sending Your Thoughts Spiraling Out of Control:

  - Picture your brain turning into a fireworks show gone wrong, with thoughts scattering everywhere. During these moments, social interactions feel impossible. Combating this requires time, patience, and support from my anxiety toolkit, a therapist, and trusted friends.

Closing Reflection

I hope these illustrations give you a clearer picture of chronic anxiety. It’s not just about being a little worried; it’s paralyzing at times. Understanding what’s really going on can foster empathy for those living with anxiety. Remember, people with anxiety aren’t flawed or trying to make others uncomfortable – they’re dealing with something deep and challenging. A little empathy and support can go a long way."

3. What Are the Types of Anxiety?

Anxiety is like a multi-headed monster, each head bringing its own unique brand of chaos. Here’s a closer look at the different types of anxiety disorders:

- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  - Imagine being stuck in a never-ending worry loop about everything from work to world events. GAD is the most common type of anxiety disorder, characterized by excessive worrying about different activities and events. You might feel constantly on edge, affecting your work, travel, sleep, and even your concentration. Physical symptoms like muscle tension and sweating are also common. If you’ve felt anxious most days for over six months, it might be GAD.

- Panic Disorder

  - Picture having sudden, intense panic attacks out of nowhere. Panic disorder means experiencing regular panic attacks without any clear trigger. These attacks are terrifying, often making you feel like you’re having a heart attack or dying. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an overwhelming sense of dread. Fear of future attacks can also be debilitating.

- Social Anxiety Disorder

  - Ever feel like speaking in public or meeting new people is like stepping into a lion’s den? Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social situations, where you might worry about being judged or embarrassing yourself. Physical signs include sweating, a racing heartbeat, and a shaky voice. This fear can lead to avoiding social interactions altogether.

- Health Anxiety

  - Think of being convinced that every ache or pain is a sign of a serious illness. Health anxiety is the constant worry about being ill or getting ill. You might find yourself obsessively checking for symptoms, seeking reassurance from doctors, or avoiding health-related content. The physical symptoms of anxiety can mimic those of illnesses, making it even harder to break the cycle.

- Phobias

  - Imagine a fear so intense that you’d do anything to avoid it. Phobias are overwhelming fears of specific objects, places, situations, feelings, or animals. Common examples include fear of spiders (arachnophobia), heights, germs, or going to the dentist. This fear is much more intense than regular fear and can significantly impact daily life.

- Agoraphobia

  - Picture being terrified of leaving your house because escaping might be difficult or help wouldn’t be available. Agoraphobia involves a fear of situations like being in public spaces, using public transport, or being in crowded places. This fear can lead to avoiding these situations entirely, severely affecting daily routines.

- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  - Imagine a loop of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. OCD involves obsessions (repeated, unwelcome thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive actions to relieve anxiety). Common types include contamination fears leading to excessive cleaning, checking behaviors to prevent harm, and hoarding.

- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  - Think of reliving a traumatic event over and over. PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing a threatening situation. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety that can last for months or years after the event.

- Skin-Picking (Dermatillomania)

  - Picture the irresistible urge to pick at your skin until it bleeds. Dermatillomania is an impulse control disorder where you compulsively pick at your skin, causing damage. This behavior often occurs alongside OCD.

- Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania)

  - Imagine feeling compelled to pull out your hair from various parts of your body. Trichotillomania involves an urge to pull out hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and emotional distress. The behavior can be a way to relieve tension or stress and often occurs with OCD.

Closing Reflection

Understanding the different types of anxiety disorders can help foster empathy for those living with them. Each type presents unique challenges, and recognizing these can lead to better support and understanding. Remember, people with anxiety aren’t trying to be difficult—they’re dealing with complex, often overwhelming conditions. Your empathy and support can make a big difference.

4. When Anxiety Hits?

Anxiety: that unwelcome guest crashing on the couch of your mind, sometimes overstaying its welcome. But what exactly is anxiety, and when does it become more than just a passing discomfort? 

Anxiety can stem from both real threats (like a swerving car) and perceived ones (a looming work meeting). Regardless, your body kicks into survival mode, pumping adrenaline and triggering the fight-or-flight response. Physical cues like a racing heart, sudden sweat, or a stomach tied in knots are just the beginning.

But when do these signals spell more than just momentary discomfort? Duke, our guide through the labyrinth of anxiety, offers detailed insights:

- Intensity: Does anxiety cripple you with intolerable symptoms? Can you manage them? Intensity isn't just about how strong the feelings are but also how they impact your daily life. It's about the difference between feeling a bit uneasy and feeling like you're drowning in fear.

  

- Frequency: Is anxiety becoming a frequent companion on your journey? Occasional bouts of anxiety are normal, but when it becomes a constant presence, interfering with your ability to function and enjoy life, it's a sign that something more significant may be at play.

- Duration: Does anxiety linger long after the triggering event, like an unwelcome guest overstaying its welcome? While anxiety in response to a specific situation is expected, lingering anxiety that persists long after the threat has passed is a red flag. It's like the guest who refuses to leave, disrupting the peace long after the party is over.

- Interference: Does anxiety hamper your daily functioning, making work or even leaving the house a Herculean task? Anxiety shouldn't be dictating your life. When it starts interfering with your ability to perform basic tasks, maintain relationships, or pursue your goals, it's time to seek help.

- Triggers: Are you besieged by triggers, robbing you of the simple joys of life? Identifying triggers is crucial in understanding and managing anxiety. Whether it's crowded spaces, social interactions, or specific phobias, recognizing what sets off your anxiety can help you develop coping strategies.

- Overall Impact: How different would life be without anxiety's constant shadow? Imagine a life free from the grip of anxiety, where you could pursue your dreams and enjoy the moment without fear holding you back. Understanding the impact anxiety has on every aspect of your life can motivate you to take action.

If these questions strike a chord, it might be time to seek help. Treatment, Duke advises, often starts with your primary care provider, who can gauge the severity of your anxiety. Medication, therapy, or a blend of both could be on the cards.

5. Which Anxiety is the worst?

Panic disorder: Because who doesn't love a surprise anxiety party?

Picture this: sudden bursts of intense anxiety hitting you like a ton of bricks, making you question if you accidentally signed up for a rollercoaster ride through Dante's Inferno. Shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations - it's like your body's auditioning for a medical drama without your consent.

But hold on, there's more! These panic attacks aren't just one-time events; they're like the annoying neighbor who keeps knocking on your door asking to borrow sugar. And guess what? You're the only house on the block with sugar.

But amidst the chaos, remember this: panic disorder isn't just about rollercoaster rides and unwanted drama. It's a serious condition that can significantly impact your life. Seeking support and treatment is key to regaining control and finding relief from the panic. 

6. Will Anxiety Go away?

"Will anxiety go away?" Oh, if only anxiety had an expiration date like milk in the fridge! But fear not, my anxious friends, because there's hope on the horizon.

Recovery from an anxiety disorder is indeed possible, like finding a unicorn at the end of a rainbow. With the right treatment and support, you can bid farewell to those pesky panic attacks and sleepless nights filled with worry.

So, what's in the magical toolkit for banishing anxiety? Behold:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): It's like a mental makeover, aiming to kick those negative thinking patterns to the curb and replace them with more positive vibes.

2. Exposure Therapy: Ever wanted to face your fears head-on, like a fearless warrior battling anxiety dragons? Well, exposure therapy does just that, gradually exposing you to anxiety-inducing situations until they lose their power.

3. Anxiety Management and Relaxation Techniques: Think of it as hitting the reset button on your frazzled nervous system. From deep muscle relaxation to meditation, these techniques can help soothe your anxious soul.

4. Medication: Sometimes, you need a little extra help from the pharmacy aisle. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines can provide the boost you need to conquer your anxiety demons.

But remember, my fellow anxiety warriors, seeking treatment isn't a sign of weakness; it's a courageous step towards reclaiming your peace of mind. So, grab that magical toolkit and embark on your journey to anxiety-free living!

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Hey there, awesome readers! 🌟

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. Your support means the world to me! Stay strong and remember, you're never alone on this journey.

With gratitude and warmth,

ShySoul 💖 

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- 📧 Email me at: introvertinnovator@gmail.com

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Thank you so much! 😊