For many of us, anxiety is something that we live with on a daily basis. It can be hard to understand and even harder to explain to others. We often downplay our anxiety, or write it off as nerves, but the truth is that anxiety is a real and serious thing. There are different types of anxiety, and each one manifests differently. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common types of anxiety and how they can affect your life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by constant, chronic anxiety that interferes with your day-to-day life. If you have GAD, you may find yourself worrying about things that other people would consider to be normal or insignificant. This worry can be all-consuming, and it can make it difficult to concentrate on anything else. Physical symptoms of GAD include fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

As its name suggests, SAD is characterized by intense anxiety or fear in social situations. This can manifest as stage fright, fear of public speaking, or even just extreme shyness. If you have SAD, you may go to great lengths to avoid social situations altogether. When you are in a social situation, you may feel like everyone is watching and judging you. Physical symptoms of SAD include sweating, rapid heartbeat, blushing, and difficulty speaking. 

Anxiety is a real and serious thing that affects millions of people worldwide.
There are different types of anxiety, each with its own unique set of symptoms. If you think you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, please reach out to a mental health professional for help. Remember: you are not alone!