Anxiety is a term that is used frequently in our society, but what does it actually mean? Anxiety is a group of mental health disorders that include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Each of these disorders has different symptoms, but all of them are characterized by excessive worry or fear. In this blog post, we will discuss what anxiety is and isn’t, as well as the symptoms and treatment options for this condition.
Demystifying Anxiety
societyofcare • July 8, 2022
Demystifying Anxiety: what it is and what it isn't
What is Anxiety?
To view our visual Web Story for this blog post you can click here.
It's perfectly normal to experience anxiety from time to time.
Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life. It is characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and unease. These feelings are usually caused by an upcoming event or situation that is perceived as being threatening or dangerous. For most people, anxiety is a short-lived emotion that goes away once the event or situation has passed. However, for some people, anxiety can become chronic and last for months or even years. When this happens, it can interfere with your daily life and make it difficult to function.
There's anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are different from normal anxiety in several ways. First, the symptoms are more severe than those of regular anxiety. Second, the symptoms of an anxiety disorder persist for longer periods of time and can interfere with your daily life. Finally, anxiety disorders are usually treated with therapy, medication, or both.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of anxiety can vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. However, there are some common symptoms that are associated with all types of anxiety disorders. These include excessive worry or fear, avoidance of certain situations or activities, difficulty sleeping, sweating, trembling, and a racing heart. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it is important to talk to a mental health professional who can help you diagnose and treat your condition as there are several different anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common types of anxiety disorder. It is characterized by excessive worry and fear about everyday things, such as work, school, money, relationships, and health. People with GAD often have trouble sleeping and experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and a racing heart. They may also find it difficult to concentrate or to stay calm and relaxed in social situations. GAD can be debilitating and can interfere with your ability to function normally. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment from a mental health professional.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive fear and worry about social situations. People with SAD often feel self-conscious and uncomfortable in social situations and may have trouble interacting with others. They may also feel like everyone is watching and judging them. SAD can be debilitating and can interfere with your ability to function normally.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by sudden and intense feelings of fear or terror. These feelings often occur without warning and may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. People with panic disorder often worry about the possibility of having another panic attack, and they may avoid certain situations or activities that they believe may trigger one. Panic disorder can be debilitating and can interfere with your ability to function normally.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. People with OCD often have unwanted thoughts or images that pop into their heads, called obsessions. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors, such as washing their hands or checking the locks on their doors, in an attempt to get rid of these thoughts. OCD can be debilitating and can interfere with your ability to function normally.
There are several treatment options available for anxiety disorders. The most effective treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and may include therapy, medication, or both. If you are struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you and there is no shame in seeking treatment. Remember, you are not alone and there is hope for a better tomorrow.
We Are Here To Help
If you think you or a loved one are needing help with anything above please reach out.
The post Demystifying Anxiety appeared first on .
Join Our Mailing List
August is often described as a bridge month. The intensity of summer may be winding down, but the demands of fall are just around the corner. For caregivers, it’s a season of transition and an ideal time to pause and assess your own needs before the full weight of school schedules, appointments, and changing routines begins.
As kids return to school and fall schedules start to take shape, many families experience a bumpy adjustment period in the afternoons. Long school days can be overstimulating and draining, especially for children with disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or emotional regulation challenges. That’s where a calming after-school routine can make all the difference.
Summer break can be a time of rest, fun, and freedom for young people, but it can also be an opportunity to connect across generations and help support caregiving in meaningful ways.
Summer might seem like a season of sunshine and relaxation, but for caregivers, it can often feel like anything but. Between shifting routines, school breaks, rising temperatures, and increased caregiving demands, burnout can sneak in faster than you think.
The long days of summer may still be in full swing, but July is the perfect time to start easing into back-to-school planning especially for caregivers supporting children with disabilities, developmental differences, or mental health needs.
Each July, communities across the country recognize Disability Pride Month. A time to honor the strength, identity, and contributions of people with disabilities. For caregivers and families, it's also a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and celebrate the rich diversity within the disability community.
Summer break doesn’t have to mean a break from learning. In fact, some of the best learning moments happen outside the classroom, on a walk, in the grocery store, or while helping with dinner.
When the sun is shining and school is out, life can feel both joyful and overwhelming. Especially for the parents and grandparents who hold everything together behind the scenes. Summer brings schedule changes, extra responsibilities, and a lot of emotional juggling.
Summer break is often seen as a time of rest and freedom, but for many caregivers, it can be one of the busiest seasons of the year. With school out, routines disrupted, and demands multiplying, caregivers often put their own well-being on the back burner. At Society of Care, we want to offer a gentle reminder: you matter too.
Summer is a season full of sunshine, freedom, and fresh opportunities to connect not just with each other, but with our communities. At Society of Care, we believe small acts of kindness can ripple outward in powerful ways. That’s why this season is a perfect time to get the whole family involved in simple service projects that show care, build empathy, and strengthen bonds.