Anxiety vs. Everyday Worry: Signs It's Time to Get Help

If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential and available 24/7.⁶ If a life is in danger right now, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.⁵

Everyone worries sometimes. Feeling anxious is a normal part of life.¹ But sometimes worry stops being a passing feeling and starts running the show. Here's how to tell the difference, and when it's time to reach out.

Everyday worry vs. an anxiety disorder

For people with an anxiety disorder, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time.¹ Symptoms can get in the way of daily life, like work, school and relationships.¹

You're not alone. About a third of U.S. teens and adults have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.¹ Types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and phobia-related disorders.¹

Signs of generalized anxiety disorder

People with GAD may:²

• Worry too much about everyday things
• Have trouble controlling their worries or nervous feelings
• Often feel irritable or "on edge"
• Feel restless or have trouble relaxing
• Have a hard time concentrating
• Have trouble falling or staying asleep, or feel tired
• Have headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tension

To be diagnosed with GAD, a person finds it hard to control worry on most days for at least 6 months.²

What about panic attacks?

Panic attacks can cause a pounding or racing heart, chest pain and trouble breathing. They can feel like a heart attack.³ Some people with panic disorder start to fear or avoid places where they've had panic attacks before.³

Signs it's time to get help

NIMH suggests getting professional help if you have severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more, such as:⁴

• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in appetite, or weight changes you didn't plan
• Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of your mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
• Being unable to do your usual tasks and activities
• Feeling irritable, frustrated or restless

Where to start

A primary care provider can do a first mental health screening and refer you to a mental health professional.⁵

Treatment for GAD usually involves therapy, medicine or both.² Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been well studied and is the "gold standard" choice of therapy.² Medicines called SSRIs and SNRIs can help treat GAD symptoms, but they may take several weeks to start working.²

Healthy habits help, too, though they can't replace treatment. Cutting back on caffeine and getting enough sleep can ease symptoms when paired with standard care.² Exercise, mindfulness and meditation can also reduce anxiety symptoms.²

Crisis help, any time

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's there for mental health struggles, emotional distress, and alcohol or drug use concerns, for you or someone you care about.⁶
• Veterans: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.⁷
• Emergency: In a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.⁵

Sources

1. Anxiety Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health
2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know, National Institute of Mental Health
3. Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know, National Institute of Mental Health
4. Caring for Your Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health
5. Help for Mental Illnesses, National Institute of Mental Health
6. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988 Lifeline
7. Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

For education only, not medical advice. It doesn't replace care from a licensed health care provider. If anyone may be in danger, call or text 988, or call 911.