Learn how to recognize anxiety in yourself and others

According to the WHO data, in 2019, an estimated 301 million people were living with an anxiety disorder, highlighting its prevalence in today's society

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but it can become overwhelming. Recognizing symptoms early is crucial.

Common signs and symptoms in adults:

• Physical symptoms: Adults may experience rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. They might also have headaches, dizziness, or stomach issues.
• Emotional symptoms: Feelings of restlessness, irritability, and intense worry are common. Adults may also struggle with concentration and experience a sense of impending doom.
• Behavioral symptoms: Avoiding situations that cause anxiety, procrastination, and difficulty sleeping are key signs. Some may also engage in repetitive behaviors.

Common signs and symptoms in children:

• Physical symptoms: Children may complain of stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue. They might also experience increased heart rate and sweating.
• Emotional symptoms: Excessive worry about various things, fear of being away from parents, and clinginess. They may also appear overly self-conscious and sensitive.
• Behavioral symptoms: Children might avoid activities they used to enjoy. They may also have trouble sleeping or experience nightmares.

Recognizing anxiety symptoms early in both adults and children can lead to better management and improved quality of life.

Fear is a natural response to a specific, immediate threat. It prepares the body to fight or flee from danger.

Key differences between fear and anxiety:

• Duration: Fear is typically short-term and dissipates once the threat is gone. Anxiety can last for a longer period and may persist even without an immediate threat.
• Triggers: Fear is triggered by an immediate, identifiable danger. Anxiety is often triggered by thoughts or situations that might happen in the future.
• Physical responses: Both fear and anxiety cause physical reactions, but fear tends to cause more intense, short-term physical responses. Anxiety causes more prolonged, less intense physical symptoms.

Example to illustrate the differences: Fear might occur if you encounter a snake on a hiking trail. Anxiety might occur if you worry about encountering a snake every time you plan to go hiking.

Nervousness is a temporary feeling of worry or fear before a specific event. It usually fades once the event is over.

Key differences between anxiety and nervousness:

• Duration: Anxiety lasts longer and can persist without a clear cause. Nervousness is short-lived and situation-specific.
• Intensity: Anxiety is more intense and can cause significant distress. Nervousness is milder and less disruptive to daily life.
• Impact: Anxiety can affect various aspects of life, including work and relationships. Nervousness typically has a limited impact on daily functioning.

Example to illustrate the differences: Anxiety might cause someone to avoid social interactions altogether. Nervousness might cause someone to feel jittery before giving a speech but doesn't prevent them from doing it.

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a lack of energy.

Key differences between anxiety and depression:

• Emotional symptoms: Anxiety involves fear and worry about the future. Depression involves feelings of hopelessness and despair.
• Physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating. Depression can cause fatigue and changes in appetite and sleep.
• Behavioral changes: Anxiety may lead to avoidance behaviors. Depression may result in withdrawal from social activities and a lack of motivation.

Example to illustrate the differences: Anxiety might make someone avoid crowded places due to fear. Depression might make someone lose interest in socializing altogether.

Anxiety and heart attacks can share similar symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. 

Anxiety often causes rapid heartbeat, sweating, and chest pain. These symptoms typically accompany intense worry or fear.

A heart attack involves severe chest pain, which may spread to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. It can also cause shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.

Key differences between anxiety and a heart attack:

• Duration: Anxiety symptoms usually peak within minutes and then decrease. Heart attack symptoms persist and worsen over time.
• Physical responses: Anxiety symptoms can include trembling and feeling detached from reality. Heart attack symptoms involve more intense and prolonged chest pain.
• Associated factors: Anxiety symptoms often occur in response to stress or worry. Heart attack symptoms occur regardless of emotional state and often come on suddenly.

Example to illustrate the differences: If chest pain eases with relaxation, it might be anxiety. If it intensifies with physical activity, it could be a heart attack.