Introduction:
Anxiety is a natural part of life and can be useful in certain situations, but when anxiety becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily activities, it can become pathological anxiety. Pathological anxiety can cause significant distress and affect an individual’s ability to function normally. In this article, we will unpack the characteristics of pathological anxiety that you should watch for.
Characteristics to Watch for:
1. Excessive Worry
People with pathological anxiety tend to worry excessively even about small things. They often have difficulty controlling their worrying thoughts and may find it tough to stop.
2. Irrational Fear
Pathological anxiety can cause irrational fear or phobias of specific stimuli, objects, or situations that are not actually dangerous.
3. Physical Symptoms
People with pathological anxiety often experience a range of physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.
4. Avoidance Behaviors
Individuals with pathological anxiety may engage in avoidance behaviors to prevent experiencing the discomfort caused by their anxious feelings.
5. Social Withdrawal
People with pathological anxiety may avoid social interactions or public spaces because they fear being judged negatively by others.
Conclusion:
Pathological Anxiety is a severe form of anxiety that requires professional help. It affects people’s lives significantly and makes it difficult for them to carry out daily activities comfortably. If you or your loved ones have been experiencing chronic worry, irrational fears or phobias of certain stimuli/situations along with physical symptoms like nausea/ sweating; avoidance behavior like staying away from public places- make sure you consult a mental health professional for appropriate treatment options that suit your needs best!