Anxiety is one of the most common complaints among older adolescents and adults. Anxiety is a spectrum: some people have nagging feelings of anxiety and discomfort that do not seem to get better over time, while others have significant symptoms that disrupt functioning. Individuals with anxiety often report problems with sleep, relationships with others, motivation, depression, and other symptoms. CBT skills have been shown to improve anxiety and quality of life for individuals with mild, moderate, or severe anxiety. There are many different types of anxiety, some types are explained below in more detail. You may fit into one of the types of anxiety described below, or you might not; anxiety is a broad category of symptoms that can look different for each person.
Panic Attacks &
Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can be absolutely terrifying, so much so that people sometimes head to the ER fearing that they are having a heart attack. Panic attacks can feel like they are coming out of nowhere, although some people can predict when they are most likely to have one. Common symptoms include: racing heart, sweating or chills, shortness of breath, feeling like you are going to die or go crazy, numbness, nausea, and chest pains. All of the symptoms are intense and occurring all at once - your innate flight/fright/freeze response is going haywire.
Social Anxiety
Some people experience anxiety in social situations. The social situations where anxiety is experienced varies by person, but can include: eating in public, using public bathrooms, talking to groups, speaking to unfamiliar people, talking to bosses/supervisors, dating, participating in meetings or class, attending a party, or initiating or staying in a conversation. Individuals with social anxiety are overly concerned about embarrassing themselves in front of others.
Public Speaking Anxiety
Public speaking anxiety is the most common type of social anxiety. Ever feel anxious before that big presentation or talk? Up to 90% of people report anxiety while talking to groups of people. Many individuals can tolerate the anxiety and don't let it interfere with their lives. However, for some, the anxiety can be so severe that they avoid these kinds of situations entirely, and will often give up promotions or avoid classes that will require presentations or talks. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help reduce anxiety and potentially improve performance.
Phobias
Phobias are another common complaint. Common specific phobias include: animals (e.g., snakes, spiders), planes, elevators, driving, vomiting, heights, and blood/injections (e.g., having blood drawn, seeing your own blood). Some people report just a single phobia, while others report several different objects of fear.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) report excessive and uncontrollable worry that is present most of time. Some will report worry about their worry - it can feel extremely pervasive and prevent you from getting anything done. Worries can focus on any and all aspects of life, including work, school, family, money, health, minor issues (e.g., yard work), or major world affairs.