What is “Normal” Anxiety?
An important part of anxiety treatment is learning to recognize the difference between “normal” and “abnormal” anxieties. We often judge ourselves or carry concern about anxiety we may have that is completely “normal.”
“Normal” anxiety - feeling nervous about an upcoming presentation you have to give in front of your coworkers
“Abnormal” anxiety - having trouble sleeping due to difficulty stopping worries about how you said something to your friend last week
Symptoms of “normal” anxiety might include:
Occasional worries
Feeling self-conscious
Fear of a threatening place or situation
Difficulty relaxing and concentrating when faced with a difficulty situation (ex. loss of a job or loved one)
Physical symptoms after related situations or events (ex. sweating before or during an important event or muscle tension after a stressful day at work)
Difficulty sleeping immediately after a stressful or traumatic event
Symptoms of “abnormal” anxiety might include:
Constant worry that interferes with daily life
Avoidance of social situations
Repeated panic attacks or panic symptoms
Recurrent nightmares or repeated difficulties with sleep long after or unrelated to a stressful or traumatic event
Irritability, edginess, or difficulty concentrating more days than not and or for no apparent reason
Physical symptoms unrelated to a specific situation and lasting for an extended period of time
Performing repetitive behaviors, also called checking behaviors