7 Types of Anxiety

It seems like anxiety has been a main topic lately in my conversations with others.  My anxiety has been debilitating lately.  It’s affected my physical health and I’ve been pretty miserable.  I’ve had a few panic attacks in public (extremely embarrassing)  and a few while alone.  Because of my transparency, others reach out to me to discuss their depression and anxiety struggles and I welcome that.   I’ve had a few people contact me recently because they are miserable with anxiety and for that reason, I’d like to discuss the 7 types of anxiety.  I think it’s very important to recognize what type of anxiety you battle with and maybe it will help you understand and eventually learn to live with it and accept it as a part of you instead of fighting it.  I fall into more than one of these types of anxieties, as most people with anxiety do and am working with a therapist to learn to cope.  Most people who struggle with anxiety disorder also experience depression episodes.

7 Types of Anxiety:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Feels anxious most days, worrying about lots of different things for a period of 6 months or more.

2. Social Phobia: Intensefear of being embarrassed, criticized or humiliated even in everyday situations

3. Panic Disorder: Panic Attacks that are intense, overwhelming and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety combines with physical symptoms.  Some physical symptoms of a panic attack are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness and excessive perspiration.

4. Agoraphobia: Fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment. More severe than social anxiety as panic attacks are involved in agoraphobia.

5. Phobias: Fearful about a particular object or situation and go to great lengths to avoid it.

6. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Results from traumatic experiences. Symptoms include difficulty relaxing, upsetting dreams or flashbacks of the event and avoidance of anything related to that event.

7. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Unwanted/Intrusive thoughts and fears that cause anxiety. People may relieve these fears and anxieties by carrying out certain behaviors or rituals.

For mild symptoms of anxiety, check in with you doctor.  They may recommend lifestyle changes. If your anxiety affects you day to day life, your doctor may recommend you see a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist.  Either way, talking to your doctor would be beneficial in figuring out what you need to do.

I suffer from several of the anxiety types and at times it’s too much to handle.  I have a horrible fear of dying and a MAJOR fear for the safety of my children.  Most of the time, these fears are extremely irrational but they are VERY real to me.  I am working with a therapist to deal with my bi polar symptoms and my anxiety disorders.  There should be no shame going to a therapist.

Hopefully this information helps someone out there.  Remember, you are not alone.  I know it’s miserable.  I can honestly say I understand.  I have blogged before about techniques to deal with anxiety and steps you can take to get through it.  Please read those suggestions and hopefully they will help you.  It’s a work in progress and my bottom line is DO NOT GIVE UP!  Talk to somebody.  Hang in there.  YOU CAN DO THIS!  Hugs to you.

Source: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety