There’s nothing easy or fun about anxiety. Many think about anxiety as just a feeling of nervousness or being on edge constantly.
While this is true, to some extent, clinical anxiety is far different. It can be downright debilitating depending on the severity.
Something as simple as a trip to the store can become a fiasco thanks to a panic attack. One moment you’re looking at produce, and the next it feels like you can’t breathe.
And while that may seem bleak, you have a fantastic resource to combat anxiety: knowledge. This article aims to give you just that.
Read on to learn more about 5 different types of anxiety and how you can treat them.
Tired of being anxious? Get rid of it for good with this method!
1. Generalized Anxiety
What Is It?
Generalized anxiety (often referred to as GAD) is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s the most commonly recognized anxiety disorder in the world.
It’s estimated that around 40 million adults in the US are currently living with GAD. This also means that it’s one of the more well-funded and understood types of anxiety.
The downside to GAD is that it’s a subtle, slow burn form of anxiety.
Those who experience GAD are likely to worry about everything instead of one phobia. You may feel like you’re on edge all the time for no good reason.
How Is It Treated?
The good news is that treating GAD is actually quite simple. It’ll just require a fair bit of persistence and patience.
You may experience physical symptoms like:
- Muscle soreness
- Constant drowsiness
- Weakness
- Increased heart rate
Your first step is to go to the doctor. After checking your vitals, your physician should be able to rule out any physical ailment. After a brief consultation, they’ll likely refer you to a mental health professional.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the best ways to combat GAD. And when paired with a great diet, regular exercise, and in some instances, medication, GAD is entirely manageable.
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
What Is It?
At one point or another, you’ve likely heard a particularly cleanly friend say, ‘Oh, I’m so OCD!’ after straightening up.
While many think of OCD as a cute, quirky ailment, the truth is that OCD is about more than cleanliness.
It’s about an obsessive desire to keep things in an orderly fashion, count things, or think about a particular topic.
It’s more than just a pervasive sense of dread. Those with OCD often have ‘rituals’ or sayings or activities that they perform on a regular basis. Failure to adhere to their traditions can result in extreme distress.
How Is It Treated?
OCD is a bit harder to get a handle on, as patients are often reluctant to give up their rituals. Like GAD or any of the types of anxiety on this list, therapy has been shown to be extremely effective.
Typically, those with OCD know that their fears aren’t “rational” but they just can’t seem to stop. The aid of a mental health professional can be a tremendous benefit.
He or she will work with the patient using what’s known as Exposure and Response Treatment. This type of treatment exposes the patient to his or her fears in small, controlled doses.
Medicines like SSRIs have also been shown to help minimize symptoms of OCD.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder
What Is It?
Aside from GAD, social anxiety disorder is the most prevalent type of anxiety on this list. Social anxiety involves more than just a fear of public speaking, however.
And while it’s not as extreme as agoraphobia, it still affects social behaviors. You may find yourself too nervous to interact with someone, even if you know that person well.
You may also experience feelings of claustrophobia when you’re in the middle of a crowd.
How Is It Treated?
You may expect it by now, but CBT is a great resource for those suffering from social anxiety disorder. Much of the therapy will involve visualization.
For instance, let’s say someone has a deep fear of looking stupid at a party.
The therapist will talk them through a scenario where they’re at a party. Perhaps they have to make a speech or propose a toast. In this scenario, the therapist would have the patient visualize the speech going awry.
By exposing the patient to their fear, the therapist will give the patient a better understanding of the reality of the situation.
4. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
What Is It?
PTSD is one of the more extreme types of anxiety on this list. Unlike most of the other anxiety disorders on this list, PTSD is notoriously hard to diagnose.
While we associate PTSD with soldiers and wartime, you don’t have to see combat to experience PTSD.
In fact, anyone who has experienced severe emotional trauma is at risk.
If you’re experiencing PTSD, you likely relive your trauma in nightmares of flashbacks. You may find yourself acting strangely or snapping at others for no good reason.
How Is It Treated?
What makes PTSD such a tough disorder to conquer is that it manifests physically as well as mentally. Accordingly, a physician may work in tandem with your psychologist or psychiatrist.
PTSD treatment is generally focused on determining what “triggers” a reaction from the patient. The recovery process isn’t fun, but it’s certainly worthwhile.
5. Agoraphobia
What Is It?
Agoraphobics may feel an intense fear of not being able to escape a situation. Accordingly, many agoraphobics may rarely leave their home. They may feel that their neighbors or friends are “out to get them” or have a vendetta against them.
Agoraphobics tend to make camp in their home and stay there, leaving as little as possible. When they do leave, they may experience many of the same symptoms of GAD and PTSD such as panic attacks and claustrophobic feelings.
How Is It Treated?
So how can one treat agoraphobia if they can’t leave their home? Believe it or not, modern technology can help tremendously. Someone suffering from this anxiety can hop onto an app or even an online support group for help.
There are platforms that let a doctor interact with a patient in much the same way they would in a physical office. Make no mistake, there’s still hope.
Take control of your life and beat your anxiety already today!
Leading a Better Life Starts With Knowing the Types of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways through many symptoms. While it can be difficult, it’s important that you realize that help is out there.
You deserve to live a better life, so make the effort to get help today. Think of it as the first step in living a better, fuller life.
For more great tips on types of anxiety and how you can curb them, be sure to keep visiting. And be sure to get in touch if you have any questions.
Anxiety is tough, but you’re tougher. Take back control of your life and curb anxiety today.
