Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety - How to Recognize Anxiety Disorders

Summary: Anxiety is a natural protective reaction but can become a persistent problem. This text describes symptoms, differences between panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and offers guidance on assessment and therapeutic support.

1 | Anxiety – when it's normal and when it becomes pathological

Anxiety is human – but not when it becomes a constant state Anxiety is a natural reaction of our body. It protects us from danger and makes us alert. Anxiety becomes problematic when it persists without a real threat. Many people suffer from constant inner restlessness, rumination, sleep problems or the feeling of never being able to truly relax. Anxiety begins to dominate everyday life – relationships, work and enjoyment of life become increasingly restricted or situations are avoided. Anxiety narrows life.

2 | How to recognize anxiety disorders – typical symptoms

2.1 | Physical symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety often first appears physically. The most common symptoms include:

• palpitations or racing heart
• inner restlessness and nervousness
• trembling or muscle tension
• sleep disturbances
• gastrointestinal complaints
• rapid exhaustion

Many sufferers also worry about their health and fear serious physical illnesses – even though medical causes are often not found.

Note: Anxiety and anxiety disorders must be professionally assessed. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, which restrict you or have been present for a longer time, discuss them with a physician or a psychological psychotherapist. It is important to rule out or first treat physical causes of anxiety.

2.2 | Psychological and emotional signs of anxiety disorders

Besides physical complaints, anxiety disorders often manifest on an emotional and cognitive level. Many people experience an almost constant worry and rumination that is difficult to switch off. There is often also the fear of losing control over thoughts, feelings or one's body. Social situations can become increasingly stressful – for example fear of other people, of being judged or of rejection. Irritability, inner restlessness and concentration problems intensify the feeling of being constantly tense and never truly at rest.

Many people try for a long time to overcome their anxiety alone. When this repeatedly fails, feelings of helplessness and self-doubt often grow – although anxiety is not a sign of weakness, but an expression of inner overload. If you are looking for empathetic therapeutic support in Bochum you can quickly and flexibly book an initial consultation with me. We will then look together at how we can relieve your tension and how you can start on the path to greater inner security.

3 | Panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder – an important difference

3.1 | What are panic disorders

Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, often with intense physical symptoms such as severe palpitations, shortness of breath or fear of dying. The attacks are very intense but time-limited. Cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly effective here, as it works specifically with the fear reaction, avoidance and misinterpretation of bodily sensations. Behavioral therapists are specially trained to treat panic disorders effectively.

3.2 | Generalized anxiety disorder – when anxiety is omnipresent

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) runs differently: the anxiety is not sudden but constantly present. Affected individuals worry excessively about many areas of life – relationships, health, work or the future. Relaxation is difficult, and inner tension is almost always present. This often leads to sleep disturbances, severe muscle tension, inner restlessness and nervousness, but also rapid fatigue and difficulty concentrating. One can say that overall performance declines.

The symptoms persist for months and cannot be limited to a specific situation. The rumination is always there.

3.3 | Why relationship conflicts are often central in generalized anxiety

In my therapeutic work in my psychotherapy practice (HPG) in Bochum it repeatedly becomes clear: in generalized anxiety disorder an inner relationship conflict is often central. This can be the fear of not being good enough for others, of being abandoned, of having to take responsibility for everything, or of not being able to tolerate conflict. These patterns often arise early and operate unconsciously into adulthood.

Many people try to overcome their anxiety with logic, control or positive thinking. For generalized anxiety disorders that is usually not enough, because the anxiety is deeply emotionally rooted. It is less a cognitive error than an expression of inner insecurity and unresolved relationship experiences. We therefore need to look closely and face these issues so the inner lion can be woken: the opponent of anxiety is courage!

In my work it is not about fighting anxiety but understanding it. When inner conflicts are processed and emotional needs are taken seriously, the nervous system can calm down. Anxiety loses its function – and real change becomes possible.

Maybe you feel that anxiety, restlessness or worries have been with you for a long time and you no longer want to stay alone with them. As an experienced alternative practitioner for psychotherapy I support people with anxieties, worries and self-doubt. In an initial consultation you can find out without obligation whether we can begin a path together that strengthens your inner stability and security.

If you recognize yourself in self-doubt, you can learn more about it here.