Anxiety disorders are different than situational stress. They’re complex, persistent conditions that affect millions of people. Let’s explore what it looks like to have an anxiety disorder and learn why recognizing and addressing it is crucial for effective support and healing.

1. Anxiety Disorders Aren’t Real—Everyone Feels Anxious

It’s a common misconception that anxiety disorders are just exaggerated forms of everyday anxiety and that everyone who feels anxious is experiencing the same thing. While it’s true that anxiety is a natural emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, such as feeling nervous before a big presentation at work or concern about an important personal decision, an anxiety disorder is entirely different.

Anxiety disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes significantly with daily life. Unlike normal anxiety, which is typically short-lived and linked to specific situations or stressors, an anxiety disorder involves ongoing anxiety that doesn’t necessarily have a clear cause. This can lead to distress that affects a person’s ability to function at work, school, or in social situations.

For example, someone with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may find themselves constantly worrying about a variety of everyday issues—finances, health, or work—without any specific reason or single trigger. This chronic worry can be overwhelming and exhausting.

Research has shown that anxiety disorders are linked to both genetic and environmental factors, affecting the brain’s functioning and how it responds to stress. They are real medical conditions that can benefit from treatment, such as therapy or medication. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the seriousness of anxiety disorders and the importance of seeking appropriate help and support.

2. Anxiety Disorders Are Uncommon

Anxiety disorders are actually the most common mental health conditions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety disorders affect approximately 264 million people globally.

In the United States alone, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that anxiety disorders impact about 40 million adults every year. This prevalence makes anxiety disorders the most widespread mental health issues, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

Anxiety disorders are not just common; they also often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression. This can complicate diagnosis and treatment, making it even more important to recognize anxiety disorders as significant health concerns. The high prevalence of anxiety disorders highlights the importance of raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health.

It’s crucial for people to understand that they are not alone and that effective treatments are available. With proper support and resources, individuals with anxiety disorders can lead fulfilling, productive lives. Recognizing the widespread nature of these conditions is the first step toward a more compassionate and informed approach to mental health.

3. Anxiety Disorders Go Away On Their Own

Many people think that anxiety disorders will simply disappear over time, but this is far from the truth. Anxiety disorders are persistent conditions that can significantly interfere with daily life. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can become more pervasive and debilitating, affecting a person’s ability to live a fulfilling life.

The constant worry and fear can lead to avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety, which might provide short-term relief but ultimately reinforces the anxiety and limits one’s life experiences. Over time, this avoidance can create a cycle that is hard to break, making the anxiety even more ingrained and challenging to manage.

This is why reaching out a mental health professional is so crucial. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a proactive step toward healing and recovery. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists are trained to provide the support and tools needed to effectively manage and overcome anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), anti-anxiety medication, and other evidence-based treatments have been shown to help people regain control over their lives, reducing the impact of anxiety.

Finding the right treatment plan can empower people to develop personalized coping strategies that allow them to live more freely and confidently. With the help of your expert care team, treatment starts you on the path to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

4. Feeling Anxious is a Choice

Some believe that people can simply choose not to feel anxious or that anxiety is something they can just “snap out of.” In reality, anxiety disorders are complex mental health conditions influenced by various factors, such as genetics, life experiences, trauma, and even chemical imbalances in the brain. These disorders are not a result of personal weakness or a lack of willpower, and they cannot be easily turned off or ignored.

Life experiences and trauma play a significant role in the development of anxiety disorders. Traumatic events, such as accidents, abuse, or the loss of a loved one, can have a profound impact on the brain and body, potentially leading to heightened anxiety responses. Over time, these experiences can contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder, as the brain becomes conditioned to react to perceived threats with intense fear or worry.

Chemical imbalances in the brain are another critical factor in anxiety disorders. Neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, help regulate mood and emotions. When these chemicals are out of balance, it can lead to symptoms of anxiety. This imbalance isn’t something that can be consciously controlled, highlighting that anxiety disorders are not a choice.

While anxiety can’t be simply switched off, there are effective tools and resources available to help manage its overwhelming symptoms. Anxiety is a legitimate health condition that requires understanding, compassion, and appropriate treatment.

5. Anxiety Disorders Are Uncurable

While it’s true that anxiety can be a persistent condition, it’s actually highly treatable. Many people learn to manage it effectively with the right tools and support. A variety of effective treatments are available for anxiety disorder, ranging from therapy and medication to innovative approaches—like deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine-assisted therapy.

Talk therapy is one of the most widely used and effective forms of therapy for treating anxiety disorders. It helps individuals understand and change the thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be helpful in managing anxiety symptoms by balancing brain chemicals that regulate mood.

For those who haven’t found relief with standard treatments, options like Deep TMS and ketamine therapy offer new avenues for managing anxiety symptoms.

Deep TMS is an FDA-approved treatment that uses brain mapping and electromagnetic pulses to promote neuroplasticity, or your brain’s ability to adapt and change. Ketamine is a long-relied upon anesthetic medication. Cutting-edge research has shown that ketamine can be an effective tool for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.

Everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If one form of treatment hasn’t been effective in the past, there are many other options to explore. With the right strategies and combination of treatments, individuals can overcome their anxiety and thrive. A mental health professional can help design your own personalized treatment plan using the latest technology and proven methods.

6. Anxiety Medication is Addictive

It can be scary to start or change your medical treatment. This fear can deter people from seeking help, causing them to believe the misconception that taking medication might lead to dependency. However, it’s important to understand that medications are simply a tool used to manage anxiety, and when prescribed by a qualified clinician and used under their guidance, they are safe and effective.

There are several types of medications used to treat anxiety. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for long-term management of anxiety and have a very low risk of dependency. These medications work by adjusting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain to help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety.

One class of medication, benzodiazepines, do have a potential for dependency—but only if they’re misused. Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for short-term relief of severe anxiety, particularly for those who suffer from debilitating anxiety attacks.

When these medications are prescribed by a health care professional and used according to the prescribed guidelines, they can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms safely and effectively. It’s crucial to follow your clinician’s advice and take medications only as prescribed. When needed, medication is just one of many tools that can help you lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

7. It’s Obvious When Someone is Dealing With An Anxiety Disorder

One of the most misleading myths about anxiety disorder is the belief that it’s always obvious when someone is struggling. Anxiety can often be an invisible condition, and learning that someone you know is dealing with the disorder could be surprising.

Many people with anxiety disorder have learned to mask their symptoms, carrying on with their daily lives while feeling overwhelmed inside. They may appear calm and composed on the outside, while internally they are battling intense worry, fear, or panic.

People with anxiety disorder often go to great lengths to hide their symptoms due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding. They might avoid social situations, withdraw from friends and family, or make excuses for their absence from activities they once enjoyed. Others may become overly talkative, trying to distract from their anxiety or put on a brave face to maintain a sense of normalcy. Either way—they’re doing their best to cope with their condition.

It’s important to remember that anxiety disorder doesn’t have a “look.” You never truly know what someone might be experiencing internally. At the same time, you shouldn’t compare your own struggles with someone you might believe “has it all together.” In fact, they could be working extremely hard to care for their mental health and it only appears as though it’s effortless.

Find the Support You Need With Plus by APN

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety disorder, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Understanding the truths about anxiety and debunking the myths can be the first step toward finding effective treatment and support.

The compassionate team at Plus by APN is here to help you explore your treatment options, whether it’s therapy, medication, or innovative approaches tailored to your needs. We are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way on your journey to better mental health. Contact us at 424.644.6486 or fill out our online contact form to get started today.

Resources

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  • Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, Thom RP, Larkin K, Buono FD, Iosifescu DV. Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Dec 23;11:595584. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584. PMID: 33424664; PMCID: PMC7786299.
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