Understanding Signs of Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety touches everyone's life, acting as a natural response to excitement, change, uncertainty, and stress. But, this common feeling can cross the line from a temporary emotion to a more persistent anxiety disorder that requires attention. Before seeking answers about how to tell if you have anxiety, it’s important to learn more about the feelings behind it. This can help you understand the difference between everyday feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder. Learn how to recognize the underlying emotions behind anxiety, how to cope with those feelings, and how to determine when it might be time to seek help. Is anxiety an emotion or a disorder? It’s both. Anxiety is often described as a feeling of nervousness, apprehension, worry, or unease that can vary significantly in intensity, duration, and presentation. As a standard response to stress, feelings of anxiety are meant to alert us to help us prepare and pay attention. As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), anxiety is “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Anxiety disorders go beyond ordinary nervousness or anxiousness and are characterized by ​​a persistent and severe level of anxiety or fear. Anxiety is a component of several mental health conditions, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and phobia-related disorders. Symptoms of anxiety Anxiety tends to manifest itself physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, often with a combination of symptoms. These may include: Physical symptoms of anxiety: Heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and stomach discomfort. Behavioral signs: Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and restlessness. Cognitive signals: Persistent, irrational thoughts and difficulties with concentration. These symptoms can range in severity. If they’re disrupting your daily life and well-being, it’s a signal to seek professional help. Types of anxiety disorders There are various forms of anxiety conditions that individuals may encounter. Some of the most common include: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things. Social anxiety disorder (SAD): An intense fear of social interactions and a strong desire to avoid these situations. Panic disorder: Involves sudden and repeated attacks of fear that last several minutes or longer. Phobias: Excessive and enduring fear of a particular object, situation, or activity that typically poses no real danger. These types of anxiety disorders can have both short-term and long-term effects on an individual's mental health. What are primary and secondary emotions? To understand anxiety, we need to differentiate between primary and secondary emotions. Primary emotions are the immediate response to an event and often serve as survival mechanisms. Secondary emotions, on the other hand, are our reactions to the primary emotions, adding layers of complexity to our emotional experiences. Primary emotion These are the basic emotions that all humans experience and are thought to be at the core of other more complex emotions. They include: Fear: The response to immediate, real danger. Anger: Feeling threatened and the impulse to fight back. Sadness: Typically in response to a loss or a perceived unattainable goal. Happiness: The result of achieving a goal or of pleasant stimuli. Secondary emotion Instead of being the result of a specific experience, secondary emotions are triggered by the way we interpret our primary emotions. They may include: Anxiety: A secondary response to fear, associated with anticipation of future threats. Jealousy: A response to fears of loss. Pride: A response to feelings of achievement. Understanding these layers can help manage a complex emotion like anxiety effectively. Understanding the emotions behind anxiety Anxiety usually arises from two primary emotions: fear and uncertainty. Sometimes the triggers for anxiety are obvious, such as before an exam or big meeting. But other times, the source of anxiety can be more elusive, like a vague sense of unease when facing daily routines or the persistent worry over hypothetical scenarios that may never occur. By learning to identify the core emotions that drive our anxiety, we can address them more directly. Fear Perhaps the most basic and most powerful human emotion, fear is the response to an immediate, real threat and is a critical survival mechanism. It's what triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing us to face, flee from, or freeze in the midst of a threat. Anxiety can stem from an overactive fear response, leading to a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation. Uncertainty Uncertainty can be a trigger for anxiety when the future is unclear, our safety is in doubt, or we’re unsure of others’ perceptions. This can lead to a chronic state of anxiety, as life is often unpredictable. Learning to deal with uncertainty is a crucial skill for managing anxiety. Addressing the feelings of anxiety Once you’ve identified the core emotions at the root of your anxiety, the next step is to address them. This process may require the help of professionals, but there are several strategies you could try on your own. Feel your feelings The first step in addressing any emotion is to allow yourself to feel it fully. This can be difficult with emotions like anxiety, which can be uncomfortable and overwhelming. Why this is important: By acknowledging and allowing yourself to experience anxiety, you can begin to understand it and its triggers more clearly. Identify your triggers Determine the specific triggers that lead to anxiety for you. Is it a particular situation, person, or thought? Understanding what sets off your anxiety can help you prepare for and cope with those triggers more effectively. Free downloadable resource: Trigger Log Worksheet Adopt coping strategies Developing healthy anxiety coping strategies can make a significant difference in managing either the feelings or a disorder. These can include: Deep breathing: Using techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can calm your body's stress response. Mindfulness and meditation: Practices that train your mind to focus on the present moment may diminish the power of anxious thoughts. Regular exercise: Physical activity can help reduce anxiety by releasing tension and stress. Healthy eating and sleep habits: A balanced diet and adequate rest contribute to overall well-being, which can help manage anxiety. These self-help practices serve as valuable tools to relieve anxiety for both those who are feeling anxious and those with anxiety disorders. However, it's important to recognize when these strategies alone aren’t effective and when more specialized support is needed. If your symptoms become increasingly more intense, seeking professional help can help you address anxiety from multiple angles. Try therapy Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can teach you to recognize and change the thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. Whether you’re feeling anxious or have an anxiety disorder, a therapist can also work with you to find coping strategies that suit you. When to seek help If anxiety is significantly impacting your quality of life, it's important to seek professional help, as it could be an anxiety disorder. Whether through therapy, medication, or a combination of both, there are effective treatments available for anxiety or anxiety-related mental health conditions. Online therapy and virtual medication management from Cerebral provide a convenient and proactive way to address symptoms of anxiety with the support of licensed professionals, all from the comfort of your home. If you’re wondering how to tell if you have anxiety as a diagnosable mental health condition, you can complete our simple screening tool which will suggest  the severity of your anxiety symptoms, ranging from normal to severe. Of course, a clinical diagnosis can only be done by a licensed professional after a complete evaluation. By addressing the underlying feelings of anxiety and learning to cope with them effectively, you can take back control and live a calmer and more stable life. Take one of the first steps today by completing our free anxiety screening tool to see if reaching out to Cerebral is right for you. Images by stefamerpik and yanalya on Freepik. The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.

Anxiety — both as a feeling and a disorder — manifests not just in the realm of our thoughts and emotions but also physically, impacting multiple aspects of our well-being. From persistent headaches to an inexplicably rapid heart rate, the physical symptoms of anxiety can be as debilitating as the psychological strain. In this general overview, we’ll uncover the nine common physical symptoms that can be associated with anxiety. Beyond identifying the physical signs, you’ll also learn how understanding the long-term effects of anxiety on the body, practical coping skills, and therapeutic and pharmaceutical treatment options may help in managing anxiety symptoms.  Common physical symptoms of anxiety Take a breath. In and out. In. And out. Whether you realize it or not, your breath might be slightly shallower and quicker than usual. That's anxiety for you — people can experience a variety of physical symptoms because these disorders and feelings can subtly alter physiological responses without our conscious awareness. Let’s explore the 9 physical symptoms commonly associated with anxiety and anxiety disorders. Fatigue Marked by an overwhelming sense of exhaustion, it's that ”can't get out of bed” feeling, even if you've had hours of restful sleep, which — truth be told — is rare when experiencing anxiety. Fatigue results from your nervous system working overtime, keeping you on high alert, and sleeping enough — or more — won’t relieve this symptom. Headaches They're the pulsing kind, usually above your eyes. This throbbing pain is a symptom of tightened neck and facial muscles, often associated with anxiety-related stress and tension. The relentless nature of these headaches can substantially impact daily functions, compelling you to seek relief. Anxiety shakes or anxiety shivers Anxiety shakes and anxiety shivers are physiological responses to heightened states of anxiety or stress. Your body can involuntarily react with rapid, jittery movements or a quivering sensation. Tremors or shaking are part of the body's fight-or-flight response, designed to prepare for perceived threats, and can occur even in the absence of physical danger. Muscle tension Anxiety increases tension in your muscles. The heightened state of alertness that accompanies anxiety prompts your body's muscles to contract, preparing you to respond to perceived threats. As one of the signs of anxiety, this prolonged muscle tightness can lead to discomfort in various parts of your body, including painful knots in your back. Back bain A direct sequel to prolonged muscle tension, back pain emerges as muscles remain in a constant state of stiffness and contraction. Your mobility and daily activities could potentially become restricted by the pain caused by this physical symptom of anxiety.  Nausea Interfering with the digestive system, anxiety can induce feelings of nausea, serving as a physical reminder of its presence. This uneasy sensation often leads to a decreased appetite and can dramatically alter eating habits, which might inadvertently make anxiety worse by affecting overall health and energy levels.  Rapid heart rate Have you ever been sitting down, watching TV, and suddenly your heart races like you just ran a marathon? Anxiety can cause your heart rate to accelerate unexpectedly, even in the absence of physical exertion, as part of the body's heightened response to perceived stress. This sudden increase in heart rate can be alarming, potentially heightening your anxiety further as you wonder about its cause. It's a stark reminder of how closely our mental state can impact our physical well-being.  Changes in libido The impact of anxiety on sexual desire can be significant, with potential reductions in libido affecting both males and females. This often overlooked symptom can strain personal relationships and contribute to feelings of inadequacy or stress, further complicating one's mental health.  Shortness of breath Anxiety can disrupt typical respiratory patterns, leading to experiences of breathlessness even when you haven’t done anything active. This change in breathing patterns is often caused by the body's natural response to stress or fear. Long-term effects of anxiety on the body Anxiety, often perceived primarily as a mental health concern, can also have lasting effects on your physical health. Over time, it can impact your body in several ways: Central nervous system: Anxiety can create lasting alterations in brain functionality and structure, which can affect neurological disorders and contribute to difficulties in concentration, memory, and mood stability. Cardiovascular system: Chronic anxiety can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease over time.  Immune system: The constant stress response associated with anxiety can weaken your immune response, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.  Digestive system: The stress-response system that activates during anxiety episodes can alter digestive processes and nutrient absorption, and prolonged impact can also cause issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, and chronic indigestion.  Respiratory system: The respiratory effects can be stifling if left unmanaged — prolonged anxiety can worsen respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Understanding how to reduce anxiety not only helps improve your mental well-being but also helps protect and support your physical health. How to relieve symptoms of anxiety Anxiety thrives when it has free rein over your thoughts. However, you can establish defenses against it to protect both your mind and body against anxiety's effects. These coping strategies address how you can relieve the psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety: Mindfulness redirects your thoughts and focuses your mind on the present, which helps turn down the intensity of your anxiety. Breathing techniques are like mental stretches for your 'fight or flight' response, helping you relax your muscles and slow down your thoughts. Progressive muscle relaxation systematically tenses and then relaxes each muscle group, teaching your body what relaxation feels like again. Healthy eating gives your body the necessary nutrients to regulate mood and reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are your body's natural stress fighters.  Incorporating these coping strategies into your routine can enhance your resilience to anxiety and help you maintain control over both your mental and physical health. Treatment options for anxiety disorders With a wide array of treatment options available, managing anxiety disorders has become an achievable goal for many. From therapy to medication, a mental health professional can help you find a care plan for your needs. Therapy for anxiety disorders Therapy for anxiety symptoms and disorders can come in various forms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety. By breaking down overwhelming fears into smaller, more manageable parts, CBT could help you confront your anxieties in a safe environment. This therapy emphasizes the development of personal coping strategies, teaching you to challenge distorted perceptions and change your reactions to anxiety-inducing situations. Exposure therapy is based on the principle that facing your fears is essential to overcoming them. This approach gradually and systematically exposes individuals to the objects or situations that provoke anxiety in a controlled setting. Over time, repeated exposure decreases the power these triggers have, reducing fear and anxiety levels. It’s particularly effective for specific phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Dialectical behavior therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. DBT is designed to help manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships. This approach is especially beneficial for those with complex or hard-to-treat disorders, helping them to deal with intense emotional turmoil and impulses. Free resource: How to Soothe Anxiety with DBT Skills Therapy provides a supportive space to understand and work through underlying issues that may be causing anxiety. This part of an anxiety treatment plan also equips you with tools to manage symptoms and cope with triggers. Medication for anxiety disorders For some, medications may help manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders. While therapy focuses on the psychological aspects, medications address the neurochemical imbalances that might contribute to persistent anxiety. Anti-anxiety medication, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),  serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and beta-blockers are common prescriptions that may help reduce anxiety symptoms. It's vital to have a discussion with a healthcare provider about the benefits and potential side effects of any medication in an anxiety treatment plan. With Cerebral's online therapy and virtual medication management services, you can get personalized care from licensed prescribers, therapists, and care counselors to address an anxiety disorder. How can I tell if I have an anxiety disorder? If you’re experiencing these physical anxiety symptoms — and/or emotional signs of anxiety like difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and irritability — you can take an initial step in gaining more clarity by taking our free anxiety self-test. While you’ll need to speak with a mental health professional to get a diagnosis, this free 3-minute screening tool  suggests where your anxiety symptoms range on a scale of normal to severe, though only a licensed professional can give a diagnosis after a full evaluation. Start on the path to a more serene and stable life — take our free anxiety screening tool  today.  Images by DC Studio, freepik, and krakenimages on Freepik. The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.

In our daily lives, feelings of anxiety and fear can surface, intermingling in ways that make them tough to distinguish. However, understanding the distinction between the two helps in managing them effectively, leading to improved emotional resilience. While both are natural and common responses to threats, they’re influenced by different triggers and operate on separate timelines. Confusion between these emotions arises because they share physical symptoms and can affect us simultaneously. In this guide, we’ll dissect the differences between the two. What is anxiety? Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, a feeling of unease or apprehension about what's to come. It’s part of the body’s flight-or-fight mechanism that helps us prepare for an immediate threat by getting us to react to the situation. Anxious feelings become a concern when they occur frequently, leaving a person in a persistent state of anxiety. We all can have feelings of anxiety, but people can also have anxiety disorders. It’s an important distinction to recognize.  Symptoms of anxiety The symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person, but common physical and emotional indicators include: Rapid heartbeat Sweating or trembling Difficulty concentrating Restlessness or irritability Muscle tension and aches Nausea or stomach upset These physical signs are often accompanied by persistent worry and fear about everyday situations, making it more difficult for a person to function in their daily life.  Types of anxiety disorders Anxiety disorders are classified into specific types, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. Each type has its own set of symptoms and triggers that can vary from person to person. Explore more: Anxiety Disorders — Here’s What You Should Know What is fear? Fear is also a natural emotion that is triggered by a real and present danger. Functioning as the mind and body's response to an immediate threat, fear motivates us to act in the interest of our survival and safety. It can be triggered by a scary situation, whether it's real or perceived. Symptoms of fear Similar to anxiety, fear also has physical and emotional symptoms that accompany it. These may include: Shaking or trembling Sweating Feeling dizzy or lightheaded Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing Numbness in the body Similar to anxiety, fear is a feeling we all can have, but when the fear becomes irrational, persistent, and significantly distressing, it can evolve into a phobia. Phobias are categorized as a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense, excessive, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is often out of proportion to the actual danger presented. Unlike the occasional fear that can be managed or rationalized, phobias can lead individuals to go to great lengths to avoid their source of fear, significantly impacting their daily lives and well-being. The treatment for phobias often includes therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients gradually build exposure to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe manner. Understanding ‘fight or flight’ The 'fight or flight' response is the body's reaction to a sudden danger or threat. During this reaction, certain hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, and physical changes, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, occur to prepare a person to either fight the oncoming threat or flee to safety. This response is a survival mechanism that has evolved over time to protect us from danger and harm. The difference between anxiety and fear Fear and anxiety share a common root in the fight-or-flight response, but there are some key differences between the two emotions: Trigger: Fear is triggered by a known or present threat, whereas anxiety can be triggered by both real and imagined future events. Physical symptoms: Both emotions can cause physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and muscle tension, but anxiety can also lead to digestive issues, sleep problems, and fatigue when experienced long-term. Both emotions involve a range of physical and psychological symptoms that are intended to protect us. However, they can be burdensome if they persist when there is no immediate danger threatening our safety, just as they typically do with anxiety. One major difference between the two is the duration of the feeling. While it can last longer in long-term life-threatening situations, fear is typically short-lived, while anxiety can linger for prolonged periods. Physical symptoms Fear: Immediate and intense; driven by a specific circumstance. Anxiety: Persistent and long-lasting; can be triggered by vague or unknown concerns. Psychological symptoms Fear: Often leads to the need for immediate, direct action. Anxiety: Worry, and a feeling of imminent danger; vague but persistent nature. Being aware of these distinctions will help you manage anxiety or fear effectively, ensuring that responses to both known and unknown threats are appropriate and healthy. Go deeper: Understand how to describe other feelings with our free Emotion Wheel resource. Coping with anxiety and fear Understanding the differences is the first step, but knowing how to cope is where strategies become vital. Here are some of the techniques that can help you manage anxiety as well as fear: Understand your triggers: Identifying what triggers your anxieties or fears is a crucial step in learning how to manage and overcome them. Keep a trigger log, write in a journal, or seek professional help to understand the patterns and root causes. Practice mindfulness: Living in the present moment can be incredibly grounding. Techniques like meditation and controlled breathing exercises can help keep anxiety at bay by focusing on the here and now. Social connection: Opening up to friends and family about your feelings can alleviate the sense of isolation that often accompanies anxiety and fear.  Relaxation techniques: Engage in activities that relax you, such as taking a bath, reading a book, listening to calming music, or trying progressive muscle relaxation. This can help balance your overstimulated system. Exercise: Physical activity is a great way to reduce anxiety and fear. It distracts the mind and releases endorphins that can uplift your mood and energy levels. By addressing anxiety or fear with informed coping strategies, you can work towards reclaiming control and balance in your life. When to seek help Addressing these emotions early on can lead to better outcomes and long-term management, but it’s important to recognize when self-help isn’t enough. If these emotions are interfering with your daily life, it could be a sign to reach out to a mental health professional for further evaluation and help managing anxiety or your fears.  Treatment options for anxiety  Understanding the distinctions between anxiety and fear helps dispel confusion, empowering you with emotional coping strategies and tailored care plans. Several treatment options exist for anxiety disorders, ranging from therapy to medication. Some modalities can also help address phobias or extreme fears. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. It focuses on changing patterns of thinking or behavior that lead to anxious feelings, helping individuals understand and manage their symptoms better. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)  This modality blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, focusing on improving emotional regulation by recognizing the triggers that lead to reactive states that can be caused by anxiety disorders. DBT could empower you to interrupt the cycle of anxiety and manage these intense emotional experiences to prevent any escalation of anxiety symptoms. Free resource: How to Soothe Anxiety with DBT Skills Medication In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders. This could include anti-anxiety medication, beta blockers, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that can help regulate brain chemicals. It’s crucial to discuss the benefits and potential risks with a healthcare provider before pursuing medication. Exposure therapy This form of therapy involves exposing the patient to their fears or anxiety triggers in a controlled environment, helping them become desensitized and learn how to manage their reactions. It is often used to treat specific phobias. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) ACT encourages individuals to accept what is beyond their control while committing to making a conscious behavior change. It's particularly effective for people trying to overcome intense fears and phobias. Remember: Treatment options are not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to work with a mental health professional to find an effective treatment plan for you based on your situation and symptoms and, if applicable, a diagnosis.  How do I know if I have anxiety? If you’re asking yourself the above and wondering if you could possibly have an anxiety disorder, Cerebral is here to help you find answers. In addition to many of our other free therapy and mental health resources, we also offer a free anxiety screener. This tool can help you make an informed decision about whether to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. A self-test can be a useful initial step if you’re looking to get a sense of the level of your anxiety symptoms. You can take a 3-minute self-test to find out where your thinking, behaviors, experiences, and sensations fall on a scale of normal to severe. Images by freepik, freepik, lookstudio, and freepik on Freepik. The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.