Anxiety vs Anxiety Disorders: Recognizing disorders

Anxiety is the body's reaction to stress. It is the brain's way of alerting us of potential danger, either in a situation or an upcoming event.

It is an uneasiness or nervousness of our mind caused by fear of what might happen; fear of danger or misfortune.

Anxiety expresses itself in behaviours such as; avoidance of situations, procrastination, insomnia, and restlessness. Its symptoms are visible.

Anxiety Disorders are disorders with anxiety as the most prominent disturbances. There are several types of anxiety disorders, some of which include: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders, as earlier stated, have most of its symptoms as that of anxiety. This means normal anxiety and anxiety disorders have some symptoms and behaviours in common. Here are 5 ways to differentiate between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders.

1. Stressors.

Our everyday anxiety is triggered by a stressor. We may experience anxiety before a big event, during stressful situations, or while doing an activity. It could even a thought that crosses your mind.

This is not the case for anxiety disorders. People with anxiety disorders often experience anxiety without stressors. Their anxiety comes out of nowhere and without triggers.

2. Intensity.

Anxiety is more severe in people with anxiety disorders than those experiencing everyday anxiety. Our normal anxiety lessens significantly as relaxing often helps. Anxiety disorders, however, seem impossible to control.

3. Length.

While everyday anxiety persists as long as its stressor is present and ends right after, anxiety disorders do not. Symptoms last longer when you have an anxiety disorder. You might experience recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional numbing, several months or years later.

4. Proportionality.

To every action, there is a corresponding reaction.

This law is applicable in our everyday anxiety. Our response to a trigger is proportional to the trigger.

Anxiety disorders do not follow this rule. Its response to triggers is disproportionate. People with anxiety disorders may be seen as though they are overreacting to the situation.

5. Reality Check.

Our anxiety can be triggered by our fears. These fears determine whether or not we are experiencing everyday anxiety or an anxiety disorder.

Our everyday anxiety is triggered by fears or thoughts that are realistic. E.g fear of failure or embarrassment. In anxiety disorders, the fears are unrealistic. E.g fear of situations that might never happen.

Anxiety disorders have in them anxiety symptoms. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to contain anxiety disorders is to manage your everyday anxiety.

Since anxiety is our body's reaction to stress, the best way to reduce anxiety is to maintain a healthy stress level.