Free to be Healthy: Anxiety Series Part 2
July 2, 2023
In part one of Free to be Healthy we looked at how anxiety was a positive emotion in our lives and the benefits it holds. In this second part of the series, we examine when healthy anxiety becomes problematic. According to experts an anxiety disorder is when the individual’s anxiety becomes overwhelming and all consuming.
The emotion of anxiety is experienced by everyone. So, you might be wondering, when is anxiety considered to be a problem? Research indicates when an individual worries continuously or when this worry becomes unmanageable this is a cause for concern. The individual will experience fear and stress related symptoms long after the emotional event is over. Another indicator is when anxiety comes on unexpectantly causing the individual unwarranted stress. When an individual’s anxiety manifests itself in this manner it affects his or her daily life. These individuals will in fact alter their daily activities to try and avoid the anxiety. He or she becomes trapped in overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
The table below compares normal anxiety which everyone has from time to time and that which a person who suffers from an anxiety disorder. While this is not an all-inclusive list it gives you a good idea of where an anxiety disorder differs from everyday anxiety individuals experience.
| HEALTHY ANXIETY | ANXIETY DISORDER |
| Symptoms of anxiety are specific to and actual event, situation, or problem The symptoms last until the event, situation, or problem has been resolved. The intensity of the anxiety is directly related to the event, situation, or problem and are in proportion to each other. | Symptoms come on unexpectedly and out of nowhere. Unrelated to any specific event, situation, or problem. Response to the stressor is amplified and out of proportion to the event, situation, or problem. Anxiety to a perceived event or problem which has not happened and probably never will. The symptoms last long after the event, situation, or problem has been resolved. The symptoms of the anxiety are overwhelming and unmanageable. There are feelings of loss of control. Anxiety changes the individual’s daily life. This happens as the individual attempts to avoid the triggers and manage the symptoms. |
In part 3 of this series the focus will be on the different areas of anxiety disorders. Have a look into each of them and develop a better insight to each.
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