Is This An Anxiety Disorder, Or Am I Just On Edge?

Tense? No focus? Sleepless Nights?

All of these are common when your stress levels are high or you’re feeling on edge. But when these symptoms keep coming, how do you know when it’s something more serious? It’s estimated that one in every 25 people has Generalised Anxiety Disorder while one in three Brits feels stressed at least ten days every single month!

So, how can you tell the difference – is this stress or is this an anxiety disorder?

What Can Stress Look Like?

Stress occurs when there is a trigger that causes the stress and creates responses such as:

• General unhappiness
• Being irritable or moody with others
• Feeling angry
• Experiencing overwhelm
• Sickness or dizziness
• Short-term anxious thoughts

What Can An Anxiety Disorder Look Like?

Anxiety disorders can occur at any time, and there may not be a specific reason or trigger that causes the feelings and symptoms of anxiety. Unlike stress, which feels short term, an anxiety disorder lingers, persists or continues to escalate.

Some of the things you may experience with an anxiety disorder include:

• A continual feeling of being tense (tensing your muscles, jaw, shoulders etc.)
• Nervousness and restlessness
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Sweating and feeling uneasy

What Can Stress AND Anxiety Look Like?

Some symptoms can appear in an anxiety disorder but can also be a sign of stress too. These include:

• Feeling unwell, sick and nauseous
• Digestion issues such as constipation or diarrhoea
• Rapid pulse/heart rate
• Faster breathing

How To Tell The Difference Between Stress And An Anxiety Disorder?

With an anxiety disorder:

1. You face persistent and excessive worries
2. The feeling doesn’t go away when a stressor is removed
3. You don’t know what caused the feeling of dread
4. The trigger of anxiety is internal rather than external
5. You may have panic attacks or particular symptoms which relate to a specific anxiety disorder
6. You feel unable to function, and anxiety can feel unmanageable.

Are You Facing Stress Or An Anxiety Disorder?

Stress and anxiety are both normal reactions; however, if you believe you may have an anxiety disorder, which is negatively impacting your life, then professional treatment can help you regain control.

Whether suffering from stress or anxiety, I offer a bespoke blended therapy incorporating many specific modalities, including hypnotherapy, to help you find the right solution for your needs. To find out more about how therapy can help you manage stress or anxiety, I’m here to help. Please book your free consultation with me by emailing info@hypnosis-in-london.com.