Sometimes it is difficult to determine when getting nervous or anxious is a normal feeling, and when you might have an anxiety disorder.
For instance, it is natural to nervous or anxious in certain situations; like when you’re at a party where you do not know anyone or when you are about to tell the person that you like how you feel about them. However, for some, this feeling of anxiety begins to have an impact on their day to day lives.
Anxiety does not always exhibit itself in the same way. Each person experiences anxiety in a different way. While some may experience social anxiety that is expressed by a mild discomfort, others might experience a phobia of a certain object or situation that leads to a panic attack. Because of this, it is not always easy to know what is considered “normal” and what would be classified as having an anxiety disorder.
One thing to remember is that regardless of the severity of the anxiety you experience, there are resources out there to help you deal with it. These include support groups, self-help books and techniques to learn to “shut off your brain” from anxiety.
If any of the symptoms below fit with your experience, it might be a good idea to speak with your doctor and get their professional medical opinion.