Around 275 million people in the world struggle with anxiety. Anxiety is a crippling illness that plagues the lives of average people. 

Maybe you are one of these individuals that are struggling. Or, maybe you are wanting to join the cause to help those who are suffering. 

Whatever the reason may be, you might be wanting to find out more about the different types of anxiety and how you can help. The good news is, we have an informative guide on the five different types of anxiety disorders.

Read on to find out more. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People who suffer from GAD typically struggle with excessive worry and anxiety for extended periods of time. This can plague many aspects of their lives and make it difficult to function on a daily basis. Simple life tasks become much harder when you have an anxiety disorder.

Other symptoms of GAD can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness
  • Trouble with concentration
  • Muscle pain
  • Insomnia symptoms
  • Racing thoughts
  • Racing heart
  • Depression

 

This generalized disorder can have parts of the other four types combined within it.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a phobia or fear of social interactions. This can be a mild form, where only certain things cause them anxiety (like eating or speaking). It can also be more severe, where people are crippled by anxiety about going out and being around others.

SAD normally causes people to be paranoid in social situations and very self-conscious and insecure. They experience an impending sense of doom when they are out in society. 

Other symptoms of SAD can include:

  • Isolation
  • Racing heart
  • Sweating
  • Paranoia
  • Depression

Social anxiety disorder cripples a person’s life until they isolate themselves from everyone they love.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder revolves around being obsessed with certain images, tics, or thoughts. These things “compulsively” lead a person towards certain behaviors.

This can take form through having a fear of germs, needing things to be organized in a certain way, or constant thoughts revolving around one thing. 

Other symptoms of OCD can include:

  • Uncontrollable thoughts or actions
  • Disrupted daily life due to obsessive thoughts
  • Tics
  • Aggression and irritation
  • Nightmares
  • Depression

 

People with OCD live a decreased quality of life because of their obsessions.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorders are defined by unexpected panic attacks. They can be caused by anything happening, or nothing at all. 

Because people are fearful of their panic attacks, it makes them paranoid and anxious about certain situations. This just continues to make the disorder worse and cause them to continue panicking.

Other panic attack and anxiety attack symptoms can include:

  • Trembling
  • Racing heart
  • Chills or hot flashes
  • Chest pain
  • Hyperventilating 
  • Sense of impending doom
  • Terror

 

People with PD are disrupted daily due to their panic attacks. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is defined as a person going through a traumatic event that they are unable to recover from. This can be something like a car accident, harassment, and abuse. 

People with PTSD are triggered by things that either relate to or remind them of the traumatic event. This makes it difficult to function in society, as they can be triggered very easily.

Other symptoms of PTSD can include:

  • Nightmares
  • Terrorizing flashbacks
  • Insomnia
  • Depression 
  • Psychotic behaviors

 

PTSD can be a crippling disorder for those that have it.

Does Medication Help?

Medication can be an effective solution for those that suffer from anxiety disorders. We believe, however, that treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy can assist you more in the long run.

Medications can cause an individual to become dependent on them. They can cause drastic side effects and withdrawal symptoms. 

It is also very easy to become addicted to anxiety medications, which will only add further problems to your life.

We offer TMS therapy as an alternative to medications. While there is no harm in trying out medicine, we believe TMS therapy can be effective for you long term. You won’t need to worry about withdrawal symptoms or addictions.

Our team of highly qualified professionals can assist you in your journey to healing. 

How Can I Help?

The best way to help yourself is to seek help from others. This isn’t a battle you need to face alone. The burden you are experiencing can be lifted through the support and encouragement of others. 

If you know of a loved one struggling with anxiety, the best thing you can do for them is support them and push them towards healing. Help them get the treatment they need to function properly. 

You can also continue expanding your knowledge on these illnesses and more. The mental health world is vast, and the more people who are aware of its hurdles are all the better. 

Anxiety is a crippling disease that can lead to intense depression and even suicide. You can help your loved ones instead of letting them suffer alone.

ClearWave Mental Health Is Here to Help

You don’t need to keep living a decreased quality of life because of the different types of anxiety disorders. You don’t need to watch your loved ones suffer. 

Our therapies can help you deal with these disorders and more. You don’t need to keep waiting. Make the decision right now to help yourself. 

Don’t trek through this journey alone. We can assist you in the process of recovery and push you towards a better life. There’s no need for you to do this by yourself. 

Contact us today to find out how we can help.