What Are the Common Types of Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety is a global problem. Millions of adults and children alike struggle with some form of anxiety.

In the past, it’s always been something that you kept to yourself. However, with more research being done, we are discovering what types of anxiety disorders exist, where they come from, and what to do about them.

If you feel like you have an anxiety disorder, it will help for you to put a name to the particular condition. Once you do, you can seek to understand why you feel the way you do.

This will also empower you to make positive choices to change how you feel, and hopefully learn to manage, if not, overcome anxiety altogether.

Keep reading to learn about the common types of disorders, and some of the solutions you can implement today. 

GAD

GAD, otherwise known as generalized anxiety disorder, is characterized by excessive worry. It’s often unexplainable and you feel like there is nothing you can do to help ease the worried feelings.

You’ll often find yourself playing out situations in your head over and over again, constantly considering what can go wrong. For an official diagnosis, those suffering from GAD typically experience these issues on a daily basis. 

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a problem that is rapidly growing, particularly due to our ever-digital society, laden with social media networks. Those who struggle with social anxiety are afraid of many things, including public speaking, initiating conversations, and going to new places.

The reason they feel this way is because they fear being embarrassed or criticized, and so they prefer to distance themselves from public settings and large groups, as well as responsibilities and jobs that involve lots of communication. 

Separation Anxiety

Kids often struggle with separation anxiety, where they feel an intense fear when separated from a parent. When this happens, they may find themselves acting frantic, panicking, and generally worried and unhappy. Adults can also suffer from this disorder, as they fear something happening to a loved one. 

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks often emerge without warning, causing immense physical pain, difficulty breathing, and feeling shaky or dizzy. This is often coupled with an intense fear that they may be hurt, dying, or that the world itself may be coming to an end.

While a typical panic attack only lasts a few minutes, it’s very hard for the individual to know that the attack will end.

Those who suffer from panic attacks often also suffer from agoraphobia. This is the fear of a panic attack happening when you are away from home. As a result, individuals will avoid certain places or circumstances where they think a panic attack may happen.

Phobias

Phobias are irrational fears of very specific objects or scenarios. Common phobias include a fear of heights or tight spaces, fear of flying, fear of blood or needles, and even the fear of water. 

Solutions for the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are many things you can do to help relieve your anxiety and live a happier, healthier life on a daily basis. Of course, nothing will cure your anxiety in an instant.

But making many conscious decisions to live an intentional, purpose-driven life can add up to really put your anxiety problems in their place. Here are some ways to help relieve your anxiety.

Get Professional Help

Talking to a counselor or therapist can do wonders to help you recognize why you have anxiety in the first place. Of course, talking about your issues and fears can be uncomfortable. But finding someone you can be open with can help you feel heard, seen, and empowered.

They may be able to walk you through a process of mourning, grieving, or healing that can help you to put painful experiences behind you so you can get free of the weight and fear you are carrying.

Medical Marijuana

When looking for methods of coping with anxiety, know that marijuana helps. There’s a reason that marijuana has been prescribed as a medical treatment for many years, before becoming legal in many states recreationally. 

Medical marijuana for anxiety can help you to relax on a daily basis. It can help you through stressful times, particularly through anxiety attacks. Ultimately, it can keep you sane and give you the courage to keep moving forward, even when it’s hard. 

Spend More Time Outside

Wondering how to get rid of anxiety? One of the best strategies is to spend more time outdoors.

Being outside provides you with fresh air, sunshine, and inspiring views of nature that can help you feel happier, more motivated, and less stressed. Time spent outdoors does wonders for both your mental and physical health. It can help suppress anxiety to the point where it doesn’t bother you as much.

Exercise a Lot

Living with anxiety often keeps people indoors, on the couch, and away from physical activity. But exercise and physical activity can actually work wonders as a natural anxiety treatment. 

Exercise helps you to get your mind off of your problems, fears, and failures and helps you to focus on becoming a stronger, better person. This is a very healthy state to be in. Plus, a healthier body can lead to a healthier heart and mind. 

Find New Hobbies

Hobbies are vital for all human beings. We all need to have activities in our lives that are fun. We need things that can distract us from the everyday cares of life and fill our lives with meaning and passion.

If you feel that you don’t currently have something you are passionate about, it’s time to search for a new hobby. Whether it’s art, outdoor recreation, reading, writing, cooking, or anything else, you need to find something that you love to do. Then do that thing as much as possible and watch your mind transform.

Get a New Job

Most people hate their jobs. This could be due to a negative work environment, a boss or coworkers that are difficult to work with, or work that isn’t fulfilling. Whatever the case, bad jobs cause a lot of stress and anxiety.

If Sunday evening fills you with dread, it’s a sign you need a new job. Finding a job that you enjoy, that adds meaning and purpose to your life, and that allows you to work with like-minded, supportive people, will work wonders as an anxiety treatment. 

Don’t Stay In Your Suffering

Yes, there are many different types of anxiety disorders that people struggle with all over the world. Unfortunately, with our modern society moving faster than ever, and social media taking over the world, millions are silently suffering.

Thankfully, there are also many ways to help support and treat those with anxiety conditions. If you or a loved one are struggling, your main priority should be implementing some of the suggestions above to create a happier, healthier person.

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