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We all experience anxiety from time to time. In fact, it’s a normal part of our physiological makeup and is intended to keep us safe. In today’s world, many people find that their anxiety levels are out of proportion. Someone who suffers from chronic anxiety disorder will produce excessive amounts of adrenaline and other chemicals in response to what they perceive as threats. Unfortunately, those perceived threats might include such everyday situations as social interaction or worry about money and finances. The chronic anxiety disorder impacts their day-to-day lives in a very negative way.

Are you concerned that you might suffer from chronic anxiety disorder? We’ve put together a list of signs that you may recognize.

The most recognizable signs of chronic anxiety disorder include those uncomfortable feelings that nag at you. People with chronic anxiety disorder most likely feel nearly-constant apprehension, which can be directed at a particular situation or may be vaguer than that. They may constantly worry about the future or their performance at work, school or in the family. Chronic anxiety disorder can appear suddenly or manifest gradually over time. Many individuals who suffer from chronic anxiety disorder find that the onset of symptoms can be connected to a traumatic event. They may even experience flashbacks of traumatic events throughout their lives. Physical signs of this trauma can include a racing heart, sweating, and dizziness. It is common for those with chronic anxiety disorder to suffer from other stress-related illnesses and conditions. For example, insomnia often occurs in conjunction with anxiety disorders. Other stress-related conditions that may be present are irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and fatigue. Many people learn they have chronic anxiety disorder because they seek treatment for some sort of physical ailment. Because anxiety generally manifests itself in very uncomfortable ways, those suffering from chronic anxiety disorder may begin to avoid situations in which they fear the anxiety will return. This might include only using certain routes to drive to work or even becoming fearful of leaving the perceived safety of their own homes. Women are considerably more likely to suffer from chronic anxiety disorder than men. Likewise, those in caregiver roles have a heightened chance of developing an anxiety disorder. This includes caring for family members with significant illnesses. Of course, no two people are going to experience chronic anxiety disorder in the exact same way. These are just some of the signs that commonly appear in those with anxiety disorders. The severity of the disorder can vary. Some people are able to manage well, while others may develop more severe symptoms such as panic attacks. These are physical responses in which the sufferer may become short of breath with a racing heart and sweating skin. Often there is a sense of being detached from the situation, and it is not unusual for a person to believe they are experiencing a heart attack.

Whether you experience full-blown panic attacks or live with a reoccurring unrealistic worry about the future, you may be suffering from chronic anxiety disorder. The most important criterion is whether it affects your daily life. If worries and concerns are impeding you from living the life you want, then you may be in the grip of chronic anxiety disorder.

By: Stephen Brown

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