Many people suffer from the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety disorders every year. There are different types of anxiety disorders, but most produce the same impact on a person’s quality of life and well-being.
The primary symptoms associated with all anxiety disorders is excessive, even irrational fear or worry about a particular situation, place or thing. Nevertheless, there are other emotional symptoms that are associated with anxiety disorders. Below are the most common emotional effects experienced by anxiety disorder sufferers.
1. Expecting the worst. People with anxiety disorder are always anticipating the worst. This can perpetuate a cycle of negative thinking, and may lead to depression, more anxiety and other problems.
2. Agitation or restlessness. A person with anxiety disorder often feels agitated and restless. 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. Stressed and uptight. 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.” According to the United States National Mental Health Information Center at mentalhealth.samhsa.gov, anxiety disorders can cause people to become “trapped in a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors such as counting or hand washing” just so they can reduce their feelings of tension and anxiety.
4. Watching for signs of 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. This can cause a person to struggle remaining in one place to study, write, or complete any other task. Symptoms may be recognized as ADD or ADHD, but in many cases, the root cause is an anxiety disorder.
6. Irritability. People with anxiety disorders are irritable and easily annoyed because they usually lack rest and sleep. They may react negatively to everyday situations and may be overly sensitive to even a slight modification in their routine or schedule. Relaxation methods and taking enough rest will improve a sufferer’s condition, although these habits would need to be developed over time.
The emotional impact of anxiety disorders can negatively affect people’s life, jobs, and relationships. Identifying these symptoms is just the first step in finding the most appropriate treatment for a person suffering from an anxiety disorder.
