Anxiety disorders are common, particularly among women. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) explains that 6.8 million Americans have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in a given year, with females twice as likely to be affected as males. However, anxiety does not always qualify as an emotional problem. Sometimes it is a normal reaction to a difficult situation.
Description
Slight anxiety describes a normal reaction to stressful circumstances. You get nervous when you anticipate a challenge and this is your body's way of preparing to handle it. Your thoughts focus on the situation and your body tenses up, with faster breathing and heart rate. This only lasts until the causal situation is over or until your comfort level increases. Your thoughts and physical condition return to normal when you are no longer stressed.
Comparison
Slight anxiety differs from an anxiety disorder in its time frame and severity. GAD symptoms include irritability, frustration, impaired concentration, digestive problems, chest pain and muscle tension to the point of discomfort, according to the Help Guide online mental health resource. People can focus on the worst possible outcome, instead of looking at effective ways to handle a situation. GAD often causes continual anxiety even without a specific cause. It lasts at least six months, according to the ADAA, and gets bad enough to interfere with your daily life.
Risk
Slight anxiety can worsen and eventually turn into a disorder if you don't follow good stress management practices. The feelings will build up inside you because you never fully release them. Eventually you will overreact when faced with challenges, and the anxiety might come out at other times without a legitimate trigger.
Prevention
You can prevent slight anxiety from turning into something worse by taking power over stressful situations and finding outlets for your feelings. You won't be as frightened if you know you can face a challenge successfully. For example, make a study plan if you're nervous about a college exam. Create a budget and find ways to cut your expenses if you are anxious about finances.
Do some physical exercise at least three times a week, the Mayo Clinic recommends. Other stress management techniques include writing in a journal and spending time with friends. These activities dissipate anxiety so it won't build up.
Treatment
Anxiety disorders can be treated if your slight anxiety blows up into a real problem. Help Guide recommends talking to a doctor or counselor as soon as you realize anxiety is affecting your daily functioning. These professionals can offer cognitive therapy or medication to control your symptoms and work through any causal situations. Eventually your feelings will be reduced back down to a slight level.
