Anxiety 101
There are many reasons to be worried right now. However, anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a big presentation or worrying about an upcoming event. Clinically, anxiety disorders are defined as a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear or worry, often accompanied by physical symptoms and behavioral disturbances that impairs ones ability to function.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is diagnosed when an individual experiences excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more days than not for at least six months, about a variety of events or activities. This worry is difficult to control and is often accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Prevalence of Anxiety in the U.S.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults (19.1% of the population) each year (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023). Despite being highly treatable, only about 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
How Anxiety Shows Up in the Body
Anxiety doesn’t just affect your mind—it lives in your body. Some common physical manifestations include:
Increased heart rate or palpitations
Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
Gastrointestinal discomfort ("butterflies," nausea, IBS-like symptoms)
Muscle tension, especially in the shoulders, neck, and jaw
Headaches or fatigue
These symptoms are your body’s natural stress response—but when anxiety is chronic, it becomes a health burden.
In this 2-part blog series about anxiety we will not only be reviewing the definition, but it’s overall impact on the body. Next week, we will review this and also some practical tips on how to combat anxiety. Don’t wait though, sign up for my weekly dose Newsletter, which is released every Friday morning to get a sneak peek on ways to fight this massive giant that is creeping into the mind, body, and soul of many. Speak to your doctor if you feel that you may be experiencing anxiety as a medical condition.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Anxiety and physical illness. Harvard Medical School. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Any anxiety disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
