People must realize the difference between “feeling anxiety” and “having an anxiety condition.” It’s natural to feel stressed and anxious now and then; it’s part of the human experience. However, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder if you have crushing anxiety, which overpowers you to a point where you will be unable to perform daily tasks.
What is crippling anxiety
Crippling anxiety is a colloquial idiom that indicates intense anxiety or an anxiety disorder. It is not a clinical term.
It’s also important to distinguish anxiety disorders from the stresses and stressors that people face daily to comprehend them.
Types of crippling anxiety
Following are the types of anxiety disorders and their characteristics:
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is marked by panic or anxiety attacks and overwhelming emotions of terror that make it difficult to think clearly or operate normally. Rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, difficulty breathing, & racing thoughts are all possible symptoms.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is generally associated with a catastrophic experience, such as the death of a loved one or being the victim of violence. The disorder is marked by terrifying flashbacks to the traumatic event and a feeling of being “numb, on edge,” or as if your “fight-or-flight” system is on high alert.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
You can have a generalized anxiety disorder if you have a continual feeling of worry or anxiety that isn’t tied to a stressful event or setting.
Social Anxiety
When people with social anxiety interact with others, they believe they will be judged or humiliated. They are extremely self-conscious in social circumstances and may shun social events altogether.
Phobias
You may have developed a phobia when you develop an illogical fear of a particular scenario, such as a fear of flying, snakes, or heights.
Symptoms of crippling anxiety
The symptoms of crippling anxiety include the following:
- Inability to fall asleep, waking up during the night, or nightmares
- Anxiety or inability to sit still
- Withdrawing from social circumstances or isolating oneself
- Intense emotions of anger
- Unexpected or unexpected weight loss or increase
- Physical health issues such as headaches, body aches, and so on.
- Having stomach pains, nausea, or digestive issues
- Relationship problems
- Problems with substance abuse
- Acting out, aggressive behavior, and a fast temper
- Suicide thoughts
- Anxiety or racing thoughts regularly
- Inability to complete daily tasks
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Breathing difficulties or chest tightness
- An uneasy sense in general
How To control Crippling Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
One thing to remember is that you are not alone in your struggle with terrible anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most frequent mental ailment in the United States, afflicting around 40 million people. It’s easy to feel like you’re alone, but asking for help for how you’re feeling isn’t a sign of weakness. Anxiety is a widespread occurrence. Above all, anxiety is manageable, and you do not have to confront it alone.
A licensed therapist or psychiatrist is the best person to treat your anxiety. Whenever it comes to commencing anxiety therapy, you have several options these days. You can start therapy in person or with an online therapist. Text messaging, audio chatting, and video conferencing are virtual platforms used in online therapy.
You should look for the therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders or has expertise working with people who have anxiety disorders, regardless of the type of therapy you select. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EDMR), & exposure therapy are all effective treatment techniques for anxiety. Treatment for anxiety can sometimes include a combination of medications and psychotherapy; you and your therapist can decide what works best for you.
Personally, a mix of therapy and lifestyle adjustments helped me manage my panic disorder (exercise and meditation). However, what works for one individual might not work for someone else. Everyone is unique and has unique requirements. Online counseling is a terrific place to start if you seek handy, low-cost choices.
The final recommendation is that you don’t need to live with terrible anxiety for the rest of your life. There is assistance available. You can feel better, and you deserve it.