Regular Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorders

It’s normal for everyone to feel anxious from time to time—feeling anxious before a job interview, a presentation, or other stressful life events is a natural response. In these moments, anxiety can even be useful—it sharpens focus, helps develop coping skills, and prepares the body to respond.
An anxiety disorder, however, is very different. Instead of short-term worry, it involves a constant state of excessive anxiety and persistent, overwhelming fear that lasts for months and often interferes with daily functioning. For many, this can also mean sudden panic attacks, physical symptoms, or a constant sense of dread that doesn’t go away.
If your anxiety feels uncontrollable, lasts six months or longer, or is disrupting everyday life, it may be time to seek professional help. Symptoms can include negative thoughts, which may further impact your well-being. With the right treatment, including medication, recovery and relief are possible.
Anxiety can be triggered or worsened by life changes, and it often co-occurs with obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, and other mental health disorders.
Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders go beyond occasional worry. They cause symptoms that are persistent, overwhelming, and often hard to control. These symptoms can affect the body, emotions, and daily functioning.
Common signs of an anxiety disorder include:
- Constant feelings of nervousness, restlessness, or tension
- Excessive anxiety that feels difficult to manage
- A constant state of worry or unease
- A sense of impending danger or doom
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Digestive issues, such as nausea or stomach pain
- Difficulty managing or controlling worry
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger anxiety
- Physical symptoms like headaches, chest tightness, or dizziness
Anxiety disorders can also occur alongside other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychotic disorders, and co-occurring substance use or substance abuse.
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting help. A professional evaluation is essential to determine whether your anxiety is part of a disorder and to guide you toward the right treatment plan. Support from other groups can also be beneficial in managing symptoms.