Everyone experiences anxiety at some point – it’s a normal human emotion that warns us of danger. But sometimes anxiety signals danger where none exists, or signals that a danger is more intense than it really is.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Disproportionate Anxiety
The main sign of disordered anxiety is a level of anxiety that isn’t proportional to the situation you’re experiencing, like an intense sensation of panic at the thought of driving a car.
Anxiety Fueled Avoidance
If you avoid feared situations or things, like social gatherings, conversations about feelings, or plane rides, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with disordered anxiety.
Anxiety Fueled Preoccupation
Another indicator of disordered anxiety is a preoccupied focus on a feared outcome, such as a persistent, certain feeling that you have a lurking health issue.
What Are Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?
Looking at symptoms on the internet can be alarming. Please keep in mind that symptoms are viewed as one part of a broad picture involving many factors - the presence or absence of the listed symptoms does not mean you do or don't have an anxiety disorder.
Cognitive Symptoms
Racing Thoughts
Assuming the Worst
Imagining Unlikely Situations
Difficulty Focusing
Constant Vigilance
Emotional Symptoms
Constant Worry
Sense of Dread
Feeling Judged
Insecurity
High Stress
Somatic Symptoms
Nausea / Upset Stomach
Rapid Heart Rate / Breathing
Chest Pain
Sleep Disruption
Feeling Cold / Lightheaded
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
There are many treatments for anxiety disorders – your therapist will use a blend of therapeutic approaches based on your needs. The three types of treatment below provide an overview of common approaches used to treat anxiety disorders.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches you to recognize how your thoughts impact your feelings and behaviours, and helps you recalibrate your responses so they are proportional to what you’re experiencing.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) helps you develop distress tolerance, emotion regulation skills, and mindfulness skills in order to increase self-awareness and help you cope more effectively with your anxiety.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy provides you with coping skills and gradually exposes you to the feared object or situation in incremental steps in order to reduce the anxiety you feel when you encounter the feared object or situation.
Therapists Who Can Help
Check out our experienced team of therapists specializing in anxiety disorders and find the perfect fit for you.
Anxiety Canada
Anxiety Canada provides self-help resources, programs and services for children, youth, adults and educators on anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Crisis Line
(905) 681-1488 is a free 24/7/365 crisis phone support line. A full directory of crisis lines and resources in Ontario can be found below.
Anxiety & Thoughts
A Psychology Today article covering six common thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.
