Anxiety disorders affect millions of men and women every year, and most people experience a combination of emotional and physical symptoms depending on the severity of their condition. There are different types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and many others. However, these different classifications of anxiety disorder all exhibit common physical effects and emotional symptoms.
The primary symptoms associated with all anxiety disorders is excessive, even irrational fear or worry about a particular situation, place or thing. However, the following emotional symptoms can also be present, and can occur frequently, or become a part of the person’s personality:
1. Anticipating the worst. Anxiety disorder sufferers mostly have a negative disposition. In other words, sufferers are in a cycle of negative thinking, which further worsens the problem and leads to depression.
2. Constant uneasiness. A person with anxiety disorder always feels uncomfortable generally or in specific situations. In some cases, the sufferer may experience constant restlessness even when trying to relax at home. This is because they have gotten into the habit of maintaining a heightened sense of awareness, and may have become particularly sensitive to even the slightest changes in their environment.
3. Feeling jumpy or tense on a regular basis. Most people who have even the mildest forms of anxiety disorder will feel as though they are always on the edge, or have to “walk on eggshells.” The United States National Mental Health Information Center at mentalhealth.samhsa.gov states that people with anxiety disorders may be “trapped in a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors such as counting or hand washing” to relieve tension.
4. Looking out for danger. A person may pay extra attention to signs of dangers and threats. Most people who have anxiety disorders will always be on the lookout for danger, and be very careful about where they go or what they do.
5. Difficulty concentrating. Anxiety disorders drain much of a person’s ability to focus and concentrate. Most people will find it hard to focus and concentrate for a long period. Some may even find it hard to do a job and stay on one place. The symptoms may point to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but in most cases, the real culprit is an anxiety disorder.
6. Easily annoyed. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders do not get enough rest or sleep, and this can make them especially irritable or aggravated throughout the day. They may become irritated by slight changes in their schedule or routine, and can become overly sensitive to everyday situations. This can be remedied by a better handling of stress and taking the time to develop a relaxation habit.
There are several emotional symptoms of anxiety disorders that can adversely affect the sufferer’s life, and the lives of their friends and family. However, it is important to recognize these early on so that an effective treatment may be prescribed to the sufferer as soon as possible.
