Have you ever been so stressed out that it feels as if your head is going to explode?
Have you ever found yourself gasping for breath as though someone was squeezing your chest?
Do you feel as if the world is spinning all around you, and even just getting out of bed every day seems impossible?
If these symptoms sound familiar, then you may be suffering from anxiety.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental illness that causes an individual to feel excessive uneasiness and discomfort, often leading them to believe they are having a heart attack or going crazy.
It is not uncommon for people with anxiety to go to the emergency room thinking they are having a heart attack when in reality they are experiencing panic attacks brought on by their anxiety.
Anxiety is not something you can just get rid of and forget about. It is a mental illness that needs to be dealt with and conquered before it controls you. If this sounds like something you or someone you know may struggle with, then here are some tell-tale signs that anxiety may be present.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the above symptoms, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. People with anxiety are not always shy or introverted, they are just more likely to feel uncomfortable being put on the spot.
Some people believe that everyone experiences anxiety at some point or another, but I don’t think it’s as common as they say. In my experience, anxiety is very real and it can make your life a misery if you aren’t careful.
If you want to find out if you have an anxiety disorder or just if you’re experiencing a bit of anxiety, here are a few signs to look out for.
How to tell if you have anxiety?
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions then you may have an anxiety disorder:
1. Are you frequently worried?
2. Are your worries hard to control and do they interfere with your life?
3. Do you experience feelings of panic or terror or even doom?
4. Do you feel like people are staring at you, judging you, or talking about you?
5. Does this often happen for no reason whatsoever?
6. Do these fears feel very real when you have them but they vanish in an instant when you stop worrying?
7. Have your fears caused you to take steps to avoid certain things or places that could be fun and interesting if it weren’t for the fear of something bad happening?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it could be that your worries are controlling your life and causing you a lot of pain. You may even be suffering from general anxiety disorder (GAD), which is pretty common.
How to deal with anxiety?
But there’s no reason to let your anxiety disorder get the better of you. There are a lot of treatments out there that can help, from counseling and CBT to medication or self-help books.
Another condition that is gaining traction nowadays is high-function depression.
What is high-functioning depression?
The term ‘high-functioning depression is used to describe people who work, go to school, and otherwise function normally in society despite suffering from depression.
Generally, those with high-functioning depression experience the same symptoms as any other depressed person. The difference is those with high-functioning depression are able to hide their symptoms and continue to live their lives as if nothing is wrong.
Because they can generally cope on a daily basis, most people with high-functioning depression do not seek or receive treatment for their condition. This can lead to further complications, including suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Symptoms of high-functioning depression
People with high-functioning depression may have many of the same symptoms as people with other forms of the condition, but these may be less intense or frequent.
The signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling sad for more days than not for a period lasting two years or longer
- Loss of interest in normal activities that lasts at least two years or longer
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism that last for more than two years
- Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy or guilt that last for more than two years
- Fatigue, low energy, and trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
It can be extremely hard to tell if someone is suffering from high-functioning depression, as they are often able to put on a show of being happy and coping with life. But behind that smile, they may be struggling with the condition.
How to deal with high functioning depression?
If you think you might have high functioning depression, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you diagnose the condition and find treatment options that will help you feel better.