Experiencing anxiety is a normal part of life; however, individuals struggling with Anxiety Disorders frequently experience intense and persistent feelings of worry and fear surrounding everyday situations. Anxiety Disorders can create symptoms which interfere with daily living, and can be difficult to manage. At Skylark, our counsellors are trained to provide evidence-based therapies which can help individuals struggling with Anxiety Disorders.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
The following are some of the most common types of Anxiety Disorders:
● Generalized Anxiety Disorder → Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is characterized by excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that is difficult to control and interferes with day-to-day activities. People suffering with GAD may find themselves having difficulty working, sleeping, socializing, or enjoying themselves as a result of their worries.
● Panic Disorder → Panic Disorder refers to recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (heart palpitations, trembling, sweating, etc.) followed by at least a one-month period of constant fear about having another panic attack, or the potential consequences of having another panic attack.
● Separation Anxiety Disorder → Separation Anxiety Disorder is characterized by recurrent and excessive distress about being away from home or loved ones, or constant worry about losing a loved one to an illness or a disaster. Separation Anxiety Disorder may result in refusing to be away from someone or something, due to fear of separation.
● Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) → Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by an intense, persistent fear of being watched or judged by others. Individuals struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder experience symptoms of anxiety or fear in a variety of social situations, which can impact school, work, and other day-to-day activities.
● Specific Phobias → Specific Phobias are overwhelming and unreasonable fears of objects or situations that pose little real danger but provoke anxiety and avoidance. Animal phobias (such as spiders or snakes), situational phobias (such as flying or driving), and being in closed spaces (such as elevators) are among the most common specific phobias.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
The following are some of the most common symptoms of Anxiety Disorders:
Physical Symptoms
- Shaking / trembling
- Feeling weak / tired
- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Overheating / sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Heaviness or pressure in the chest
Emotional Symptoms
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Fearfulness
- Having sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Cognitive Symptoms
- Catastrophizing
- Ruminating
- Trouble concentrating / thinking about anything other than the present worry
Anxiety Counselling Specialists
Resources
https://www.anxietycanada.com/
