Know Your Nervousness: Understanding the Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder
Understanding the Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is not fun, whether it’s experiencing anxiety in certain situations or being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. There’s situational anxiety that almost everyone faces. Which is typically based on certain circumstances. This anxiety is usually a realistic response to the problem at hand. And will subside once the problem has been resolved. When I experience this day-to-day anxiety, the symptoms I feel are typically a temporary surge of adrenaline and restlessness. Which are similar reactions to stress.
Then, there are anxiety disorders, which are more aggressive forms of anxiety that take everything up about a gazillion (truly didn't think this was a word, but I guess it is) notches. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is typically longer lasting, may come out of nowhere, and feels all consuming. When I’m in the thick of my GAD I feel completely out of control. Have insomnia, experience strange physical symptoms like trembling, and sometimes have panic attacks. This could be on a Tuesday morning when I wake up. And for no reason at all. It’s a lot of fun, I tell ya.
I get a lot of questions on the difference. And while I’m not a doctor (besides when I self-diagnose myself with the worst), I’ve provided three scenarios that will hopefully help provide some understanding.
Life Situation: Work
Day-to-Day Anxiety: “I feel really anxious about having to give this presentation.” “I’m nervous about this interview.” “I’m stressed about this meeting with my boss.”
Anxiety Disorder: “I’m feeling generally anxious, and I think my job is causing it, but there’s no specific issue.” “I feel trapped in a situation I can’t get out of, and I feel completely helpless and out of control.” “What happens if I need to leave my job? Will I find another? I’m starting to think the worst.” "Does my boss hate me? Am I getting fired?" “I’m catastrophizing this work stress so much that I’m starting to lose sleep and have panic attacks.”
Life Situation: Travel
Situational Anxiety: “I need to pack.” “I need to be mindful of traffic so I get to the airport on time.” “I should check the weather.” “What is the best route of transportation to get from the airport to my hotel?” “I need to make sure everything at home will be taken care of.”
Anxiety Disorder: “I need to make sure I don’t forget anything or else I will freak out.” “If I am late to the airport and taken out of my routine, I will have a meltdown.” “I feel completely out of control while traveling.” “I feel trapped and might have a panic attack.” “What happens if my anxiety gets really bad in a location that I’m not familiar with?” “What if something bad happens while I’m gone?”
Life Situation: Social
Circumstantial Anxiety: “I feel a bit nervous about going on this first date.” “This place is a little crowded.” “I wonder if there will be anyone else I know at this event.”
Anxiety Disorder: “I will be so embarrassed if I feel so anxious that I need to leave.” “What if people judge me if I’m not up for doing something.” “I feel trapped in this crowd of people and I’m going to have a panic attack because I feel like I can’t get out.” “I simply cannot go unless I know several people and feel comfortable.”
While no form of anxiety should be overlooked, there is a clear distinction between the two. There are a lot of “what ifs” that go through someone’s head if they have GAD. Which causes the anxiety to be really overwhelming and longer lasting. To combat my GAD in certain scenarios, the most important thing I’ve done is practice meditation to help me recenter in the present moment. And essentially stop losing my sh*t. Because clearly, anxiety can take your mind to very strange places!