Worry is a normal part of life. Before an exam, a job interview, or a big decision, it's perfectly natural to feel anxious. But for some people, worry doesn't switch off. It becomes persistent, overwhelming, and starts interfering with daily life.
Normal Worry vs Anxiety Disorder
The key difference lies in intensity, duration, and impact. Normal worry is usually tied to a specific situation and fades once the situation resolves. An anxiety disorder, on the other hand, involves excessive worry that persists for weeks or months, often without a clear trigger.
Normal Worry
- • Tied to a specific event
- • Proportional to the situation
- • Doesn't prevent daily functioning
- • Fades when the situation resolves
- • You can still relax and sleep
Anxiety Disorder
- • Persistent and hard to control
- • Out of proportion to the trigger
- • Interferes with work and relationships
- • Lasts weeks or months
- • Physical symptoms (racing heart, tension)
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety isn't just "in your head." It manifests physically too. Common physical symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders
- Stomach issues — nausea, butterflies, or IBS symptoms
- Shortness of breath or feeling like you can't get enough air
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or trembling
- Chronic fatigue despite adequate rest
What Can You Do?
If anxiety is affecting your daily life, professional help can make a significant difference. Evidence-based treatments like CBT are highly effective for anxiety disorders. Mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises can also help manage symptoms in the moment.
At Perspective Psychiatric Centre, we use a combination of therapy and, when needed, medication to help you regain control. The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety entirely — it's to help you feel safe, steady, and in control again.
A Quick Grounding Exercise:
Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste. This brings your attention back to the present moment and can ease acute anxiety.