Ask a Psychiatrist: When is Anxiety a Mental Health Concern?

A psychiatrist will always say that anxiety is a normal feeling. But it can be too much when you find yourself worried about a daily issue for no reason at all. Excessive worry can be debilitating. If you want to know when anxiety becomes a mental health concern, here are the details.

GAD (generalized anxiety disorder)

Worrying is normal when it occurs on occasion. Family issues, health, and money are the most common reasons for anxiety. Some people experience a more extreme form of worry. This is a condition called GAD. An individual with GAD will worry even if there is no reason to do so.

GAD involves persistent dread. It often lasts for months or even years. This can interfere with the patient’s daily life. It is not the same as facing daily challenges or stress. GAD often develops at a slow pace. For most people, it begins at around 30 years old. Some people experience it during childhood.

The signs and symptoms

A psychiatrist can explain more about the signs and symptoms of GAD. Individuals with this disorder worry in an extreme way about the simplest everyday thing. They cannot control their nervousness or fears. Feeling restless all the time makes it impossible for them to relax or even focus.

People with GAD also startle right away. Constant worry makes it difficult for them to stay asleep. A psychiatrist will say that the unexplained pains contribute to the lack of sleep. That is why exhaustion is common in these patients. Feeling irritable happens every day. Sweating and an increased urge to go to the bathroom are also common in GAD patients.

Children with this disorder always worry about their performance in school. Fearing about disasters like war or earthquakes is part of the anxiety. Worrying about the health of family members and other people is also common. Adults with GAD are very nervous about basic things like finances and job security. Chores, being late, and the health of family members are also things that worry them.

The causes

Studies show that GAD can run in families. A psychiatrist will explain that many areas of the brain are responsible for anxiety and fear. Learning more about the functions of the body and brain can help understand how GAD develops. This can result in better treatments. Researchers say that stress and trauma can cause the development of GAD as well.

The difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder

Anxiety is a normal reaction to different situations. Anxiety is also the body’s warning system. It alerts an individual to threats. The body then prepares to leave the dangerous situation or fight back. A psychiatrist says that a normal level of anxiety can help motivate a person for a task or test. Even huge positive changes, such as going on a date, can trigger anxiety.

Worry becomes a mental health concern when it becomes uncontrollable and overwhelming. A person with anxiety disorders will need a psychiatrist’s help to cope. Patients with these disorders experience physical ailments and uncomfortable sensations. An individual’s fears come from reality. Even so, the person’s feelings and thoughts trap them. Seeing a psychiatrist can help treat and manage this condition.