When I experience an anxiety attack, it’s far from a mere feeling of unease; it’s an overwhelming surge of physical and emotional distress. Unlike the lightheaded sensations often portrayed in popular media, my episodes begin with my muscles tightening, particularly in my chest. My husband immediately senses the change in my demeanor, and he instinctively urges me to breathe, but in that moment, breathing feels impossible. My breaths become erratic, transforming into frantic gasps, and although I know I’m not in danger, the sensation is akin to being trapped in a cage, desperately clawing at the confines of my own body.
These anxiety attacks can be so intense that at one point, we contemplated getting a service dog to help manage them, but medication has since provided some relief. The exhaustion that follows each episode often leaves me needing to rest for hours. I have been officially diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) by a highly respected psychiatrist. Prior to starting medication, the simple act of getting dressed could send me spiraling into a mental breakdown. Social situations felt daunting, as I was convinced that everyone was scrutinizing me, leading to isolation and difficulties in forming meaningful connections. Despite achieving good grades, my time in school was plagued by debilitating feelings of inadequacy. This struggle with anxiety has been a part of my life since I was eight years old.
This backdrop makes it all the more frustrating to see the term “anxiety” thrown around so casually in our culture. As noted by the UK’s Metro, there seems to be an endless dialogue surrounding anxiety and depression, which can inadvertently undermine the experiences of those who genuinely suffer from these conditions. The more casually the term is used, the more it diminishes the gravity of real anxiety disorders, leading to misunderstandings about what true anxiety entails.
As highlighted by a recent article from Vice’s Tonic column, the colloquial use of anxiety-related terminology often trivializes the genuine panic that many individuals endure. Most discussions about “anxiety” center around everyday stressors like financial concerns, parenting challenges, or disheveled homes, rather than the life-altering impacts of GAD.
Dr. Shanthi Mogali, a psychiatric expert from Mountainside Treatment Center in Connecticut, emphasizes that while anxiety is a normal part of life, it becomes problematic when it begins to dominate daily functioning. For instance, the inability to decide what to wear due to overwhelming fear of judgment from strangers can lead to chaos and tears. The constant worry about minor accidents or catastrophic events, like a loved one’s safety, can spiral into obsessive thoughts and panic.
A young woman named Mia, for instance, articulates that there’s a significant difference between feeling anxious and living with an anxiety disorder. While it’s common to feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures, those with anxiety disorders face a persistent and debilitating condition that can hinder their ability to function. It’s crucial that we choose our words carefully to distinguish between normal worries and genuine anxiety, as the latter can have severe repercussions on an individual’s life.
For me, managing GAD means relying on medication to help me navigate daily life—some days are better than others. I still feel nervous about typical situations, such as how my dog performs in obedience class or whether my friends really enjoy my company. These are normal worries, and distinguishing them from anxiety is essential.
Recognizing the difference between everyday stress and debilitating anxiety is not only important for understanding one’s own mental health but also for fostering empathy towards those who truly suffer from anxiety disorders. Misusing the term can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need and can contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health.
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Summary
Understanding the distinction between feeling anxious and suffering from anxiety is vital for both personal awareness and societal discourse. Genuine anxiety disorders, such as GAD, can drastically affect daily life, whereas common worries, though distressing, are usually temporary and manageable. Recognizing these differences fosters empathy and encourages those truly struggling with anxiety to seek help without stigma.