Feeling anxious from time to time? You’re definitely not alone! Nearly one in three
U.S. adults will experience some form of anxiety disorder at some point in their
lives. So when we say anxiety is “normal,” what we mean is that it’s something
everyone experiences to some extent.
That nervous buzz before a big test, a work presentation, or even a first date? That’s anxiety doing its job by keeping you alert and ready. In small doses, it’s actually pretty helpful (kind of like a built-in alarm system).
But what happens when that alarm won’t shut off? If anxiety is sticking around, making even simple things feel overwhelming, it might be time to check in with yourself. When your thoughts are constantly racing, your heart’s working overtime, and everyday life feels like too much, that’s more than just the usual stress. It could be an anxiety disorder, and that’s something worth paying attention to.
So, how can you tell the difference between normal stress and something that needs more support? It comes down to the duration, the intensity, and how much it’s affecting your ability to do everyday things.
In some cases, anxiety is a natural response to stress. It’s temporary and usually tied to a specific event or situation. You might feel your heart race before a big test, worry about an important deadline, or get nervous before meeting new people. This type of anxiety usually fades once the situation is over or you’ve taken action to handle it. Anxiety can help you stay safe, motivated, and prepared. It might make you double-check your work, practice before a speech, or be cautious in risky situations. The key difference is that it doesn’t stop you from living your life.
Anxiety disorders are different. Instead of being a temporary feeling, they stick around and can make daily life difficult. Here are five key signs that anxiety may be more than just everyday stress:
It Gets in the Way – Instead of helping you take action, anxiety disorders can stop you from doing things you want or need to do. You might avoid social situations, struggle to make decisions or feel paralyzed by fear.
Life Feels Overwhelming – Anxiety disorders often bring intense worry, fear, or panic that doesn’t go away. It may start as mild but quickly escalate or stay at a severe level.
Anxious Thoughts Spiral – With an anxiety disorder, fears often feel much bigger than the actual situation. Even if there’s no real danger, your brain reacts as if there is, making it hard to calm down.
Panic Happens Without a Clear Reason – Normal anxiety is triggered by something specific, but anxiety disorders can make you feel on edge all the time—even when there’s nothing obvious causing it.
Anxiety Lingers or Intensifies – Unlike everyday stress, which fades after a challenge passes, anxiety disorders don’t just go away. Without treatment, they can get worse over time and make it harder to get through the day.
Anxiety disorders come in different forms, each with its own challenges. Here are a few of the most common:
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing, excessive worry about everyday things like work, health, or finances even when there’s no real reason to worry.
• Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense panic attacks that cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness. Many people mistake these attacks for heart problems.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: A deep fear of social situations, often caused by worry about embarrassment or judgment. It can make things like meeting new people, speaking in public, or even making phone calls feel impossible.
• Phobias: Intense fear of specific things, such as heights, spiders, flying, or needles. These fears go beyond simple discomfort and can cause panic attacks or avoidance behaviors.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These lead you to perform repetitive behaviors or compulsions that hinder daily activities and cause significant distress.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a condition caused by an extremely stressful event — whether first-hand or witnessing it. Symptoms typically include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event.
You don’t have to wait for things to spiral before getting help. And you definitely don’t have to figure it all out on your own. If anxiety is making everyday life feel harder, whether it’s messing with your work, relationships, or the things that used to bring you joy, it’s okay to reach out. You deserve support.
At Palo Alto Mind Body, we’re here to help in a way that actually works for you. Whether it’s therapy, medication, or cutting-edge treatments for anxiety, like IV ketamine, our experts will create a plan that helps you feel more in control and more like yourself again.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Call us today or book an appointment online because feel
