I Have Anxiety, but Isn’t That Normal?

Does your heart start racing and your palms get sweaty whenever you have to speak up or give a presentation at work? Though uncomfortable, these are common signs of situational anxiety, which is a completely normal thing to experience on occasion. But if these feelings become a regular part of your daily life, it could indicate you’re dealing with more than routine stress.

At Broderick Healthcare, certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Logan, FNP-C, specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Here, we address when anxiety is “normal” and when it may warrant professional support.

What is normal anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural biological response to fear or uncertainty that primitive ancestors developed as a way to detect danger and stay alive. These days, most people don’t have to worry about fending off lions on the savannah, but anxiety can still come in handy by helping you stay alert and respond to threats.

For example, when you’re going on a first date or heading into a job interview, it’s normal for your stomach to churn and your muscles to tense up. This doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Rather, it tells your brain that you’re preparing to do something important. Because this type of anxiety is short-lived and tied to a specific event, there’s usually nothing to worry about. 

However, some people are more susceptible to lingering or recurring anxiety, even when there’s no immediate threat. When anxiety becomes chronic, it can affect your quality of life and increase your risk of other health issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

When anxiety becomes a problem

The good news is that chronic anxiety, also known as an anxiety disorder, is relatively rare and affects about 30% of people at some point in their lives. Even so, knowing how to spot the signs is crucial, so you know when to ask for help.

Telltale symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

• Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, or worry that occur daily for weeks or even months
• An overwhelming sense of panic or doom that’s disproportionate to the situation — for example, berating yourself for months after a failed work proposal
• Anxiety that lingers even after the initial stressor is gone, such as ruminating about things you’ve said in the past
• Difficulty eating, sleeping, or working due to anxious feelings

Anxiety disorders fall into several categories. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by a constant undercurrent of worry or fear for no apparent reason. Other anxiety disorders are more specific. For example, social anxiety disorder makes you feel nervous in social settings, like going out in public, and panic disorders cause sudden, intense attacks of fear.

Regardless of the anxiety disorder you have, various treatments can ease symptoms and help you feel your best.

What you can do about anxiety

If you’re struggling to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder or you’re simply going through a period of increased stress, it can be helpful to track your feelings daily in a journal. For example, every time you start feeling anxious or overwhelmed, jot down what you’re doing, your surroundings, and who you’re with. 

It can also help to document your symptoms, such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, or flushed skin. Over time, this can help you spot patterns or situations that make your symptoms worse.

Often, situational anxiety responds to home-based treatments like meditation, deep breathing, and exercise. But if your anxiety persists, even after making an effort to change things, don’t wait to contact Kathleen. 

A personalized treatment approach that includes therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes can make all the difference, significantly improving your outlook and life.

Schedule an anxiety disorder evaluation

Anxiety disorders can make you feel like you’re losing control, but there’s hope! Professional guidance and support from Kathleen can make all the difference and keep those feelings of stress and worry at bay.

Request an appointment online or call our office in North Reading, Massachusetts, at 617-905-1978.