Anxiety disorders can become debilitating, so it’s important to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. The symptoms of anxiety are varied, but this condition is more common in women than men. The reason for this and for the fact each gender presents slightly different anxiety symptoms is that man’s testosterone calms down the amygdala. The amygdala is the brain’s fight or flight command center, so all the panic attacks and all the events we perceive as anxiety-inducing are born in the amygdala. To be able to look for professional help with your anxiety you have to be able to identify the symptoms, so here are the most common anxiety signs in women.
Women are less likely to seek help
Anxiety is still linked to stigma and this prevents a lot of people from seeking help when they feel something is not right. Because of this stigma and all the misconceptions regarding anxiety, men are more likely to seek help when they are confronted with fear and too many worries, compared to women. Our society itself tells us that women are prone to anxiety, so they take this as something natural and try to find ways to cope with their feelings and control their anxiety on their own.
Depression is often involved
According to The Recovery Village at Columbus, most women who suffer from anxiety are also depressed, which makes them even less likely to seek help. Moreover, when there are two or multiple conditions layered on top of each other, diagnosing the problem is harder for the patient, who thinks she is only going through a sad time.
You can’t stop worrying
If you always worry about something, even little things, you should be looking for medical attention. Constant worrying is a sign of generalized anxiety and it prevents you from living a normal life. This state of permanent tension also takes its toll on your physical health, as the brain is unable to unwind after the day.
Sometimes the worries are focused on your own health. A simple headache can trigger a panic attack or constant worries that you have a severe health problem, like a brain tumor. If your doctor often tells you you are healthy and there is nothing wrong with your health, but you still worry about your state, it might be an anxiety symptom.
You’re scared of social events
Some people experience a high degree of social anxiety, without actually suffering from generalized anxiety. However, if you notice you have a high degree of negative emotions when you find yourself in social situations, it may be a sign of anxiety. The situations in questions are familiar, daily ones, such as waiting in line at the store or meeting a neighbor.
If your anxiety is more severe, you might find yourself unable to leave the house. Those who are scared to go out usually fear they will be trapped in a bad situation, so they try to avoid leaving their home at all costs.
You have panic attacks
Anxiety comes with panic attacks, usually triggered by nothing specific. For example, having to call a friend might cause a panic attack. The signs of a panic attack are a racing heart, chest pain, nausea, the intense feel of losing control, shaking, sweating and breathing problems.
Compulsive behaviors
Constant fear can lead to compulsions, such as touching certain things or doing things in a certain way. These behaviors don’t cure the anxiety, but are meant to calm down the fear, at least for couple of minutes. On the other hand, compulsions might be a sign of an obsessive compulsive disorder.
Many healthy people experience one of the things on this list, but if you notice you have multiple symptoms and you can’t control them, it’s definitely time to look for professional help and treat your anxiety.