7 Types of Anxiety and How They Impact Us

Anxiety is a term we hear every day and is often used to label ourselves or someone else...."I have anxiety"...."They suffer from anxiety". However anxiety has many different components and ways it may either drive us or deprive us in life.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can significantly impact our daily life. There are various types of anxiety disorders, each with their own symptoms and triggers. In this article, I'll explore seven common types of anxiety disorders, shedding light on Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)/Worry, Health Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attacks, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder, and Phobias.

1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)/Worry:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder is marked by excessive and persistent worry about various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and personal health. Individuals with GAD often find it challenging to control their anxious thoughts, leading to physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Managing GAD with Cognitive Behavioural Techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help to frame the anxious thoughts into reality and further onto an action plan.

2. Health Anxiety:

Emerging from the last few years of the COVID impact on us, many people are finding Health Anxiety a regular occurrence. There is a deep concern for their own health or that of family around them. Health anxiety involves an intense fear of having a serious medical condition. Individuals with health anxiety may constantly check their bodies for signs of illness, seek reassurance from medical professionals, or avoid situations they believe could jeopardise their health. This preoccupation can lead to heightened stress and interference with daily functioning.

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

OCD is characterised by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours performed to alleviate the anxiety that they bring. Common obsessions include fears of contamination or harm, while compulsions may involve excessive cleaning, counting, or checking. OCD can significantly impact someones daily life, their relationships, work, and overall quality of life. OCD requires working with a counsellor or mental health professional to address the root cause and implement strategies to allow you to gain a sense of control back into your life.

4. Panic Attacks/ Panic Disorder:

Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear that peak within minutes. Physical symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and a feeling of impending doom. Panic attacks can be terrifying mentally and physically. Calming your nervous system with deep breathing and mindfulness strategies that ground you in the present and prevent catastrophising can alleviate the immediate occurrence.

Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks and can lead to avoiding situations that may trigger an attack. This limits your daily life if you are avoiding social situations or day to day interactions. Work with a counsellor if you are experiencing panic attacks, we will work with you to uncover the triggers and help you plan strategies to manage your environments without limiting your life.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, assault, abuse or a natural disaster. Individuals with PTSD may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks related to the trauma. Avoidance of reminders, negative changes in mood and thought patterns, and heightened reactivity are also common symptoms. If you are experiencing these it's imperative you seek help. Trauma Informed counsellors will be able to assist you and equip you with further understanding and education of PTSD and techniques you can use as you heal.

6. Social Anxiety Disorder:

We have seen a distinct increase in Social Anxiety in the last 4 years, especially in our young people who have been forced to isolate in the critical years of relationship and sense of self forming.

Social anxiety disorder is characterised by an intense fear of social situations. Individuals with social anxiety may avoid social interactions, as they fear judgement or embarrassment, leading to isolation. Physical symptoms such as blushing, trembling, and sweating can accompany social anxiety, making it challenging to engage in everyday activities. Gentle exposure therapy can help to navigate social situations in a safe and non-judgemental setting as can Cognitive Behavioural Techniques to support a change in thought patterns.

7. Phobias:

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities such as heights, spiders, or flying. Phobias can lead to avoidance behaviours, impacting your ability to participate in normal daily activities. Similarly to Social Anxiety, gentle exposure therapy can assist you to be able to interact with the fear in a way that is manageable for you. Challenging your thought patterns that occur when the object or situation is present and reframing them with a positive experience helps to re-train your mind as to how you perceive it.

Understanding the various types of anxiety disorders is crucial for both individuals experiencing anxiety and those supporting them. While anxiety is a common human experience, these disorders can significantly impact mental health and well-being. Seeking professional counselling and therapeutic help can be effective in managing and treating these conditions, allowing you to regain control of your life.

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