How to Tell the Difference Between Normal and Excessive Anxiety

Anxiety is a completely normal physical and mental state that everyone experiences, but it can also be a disorder that needs treatment. Here are some questions to ask yourself so you can tell the difference and how to get help if your anxiety spins out of control.

How Much is Too Much?

Determining how much anxiety you have is the first step in knowing if you need to seek treatment. Take a step back and ask yourself these questions. If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may need to seek help.

• Are my relationships being hurt due to my anxiety?
• Is it hurting my ability to perform at work or in school?
• Do I avoid activities I’d normally enjoy out of fear or anxiousness?
• Do I constantly feel on edge, even when there is no source of worry?
• Do I frequently have thoughts that something will go wrong in certain situations?
• Do I blow things out of proportion on a regular basis?

Consider reaching out to a close friend or partner to ask their opinion. Sometimes it helps to get someone else’s perspective. Simply ask them how they think your anxiety is affecting your life.

Next Steps

If you are experiencing excessive anxiety, the next step is to seek help. Meet with a counselor, psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist. Clinicians can help you determine the extent of your anxiety which normally involves an assessment. The assessment helps them pinpoint how persistent your anxiety is, what symptoms you have, how long they last and how they affect your ability to function daily.

Aside from a diagnosis, they can also give you tips and tricks to help get your anxiety under control and provide treatment if needed. There is also a wide selection of self-help resources available, such as apps and books. Relaxation techniques and strategies is another method that can provide much needed relief during moments of anxiety.