Everybody feels a little bit nervous from time to time; that’s just a normal part of being human! But if you often feel nervous or anxious, you might be wondering if your feelings are typical or if you’re struggling with something more. In this article, we’ll explore the truth about anxiety and learn when– and why– you should take an anxiety test.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a serious mental health condition that can have a significant negative impact on a person’s life. Many people feel hesitant or embarrassed to speak out about their experience with anxiety and this can lead to the belief that you are alone in your quiet struggle with your symptoms. But if you’re struggling with anxiety, you might be surprised to know that you’re actually not alone at all! More people have anxiety than you think! In fact, anxiety affects more than 18% of all people in the United States. Anxiety affects men, women, and children equally; anybody can have anxiety at any age or stage in life. And, contrary to popular misconceptions, anxiety is not the same thing as feeling a little bit nervous.
Because many people experience low levels of anxiety in certain situations, legitimate mental health disorders such as social anxiety and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (commonly abbreviated as GAD) are often misconstrued. People who do not experience genuine clinical anxiety may assume that everybody feels a little nervous from time to time and that this doesn’t mean anything about your mental health. That’s because their experience is simply different from that of a person who is battling clinical anxiety. For example, someone who does not have a mental illness such as anxiety may experience bouts of nervousness in certain situations, but they may often find that their anxiety passes once the stress is alleviated. For example, if you feel uncomfortable about being asked to speak in front of other people, you might feel very nervous in the days leading up to a class presentation. But as soon as your presentation is over and the circumstances which caused your anxiety are abated, you’re likely to feel better. Thus, people who do not have anxiety may assume that everyone experiences the same cycle of emotions. But for people who have anxiety, it isn’t quite that easy.
To put this experience into a relatable context, just imagine that you feel nervous all the time, and nothing ever seems to make you feel better. Would you find it confusing or disconcerting if someone said, “Everybody feels anxious! Just shake it off!” or “Don’t be nervous?” Pretty much anybody would agree that they would feel invalidated by such remarks if they were struggling with constant anxiety. So, you can imagine why these commonplace statements would be upsetting for people who are struggling with clinical anxiety. Because, if you have anxiety, you can’t just shake it off or stop being nervous– not without help. So, although the people who make these assumptions may have the best of intentions, their remarks may feel hurtful and dismissive to people who are quietly struggling with undiagnosed anxiety. That’s because many people experience a pervasive sense of anxiety and nervousness that invades every aspect of their daily lives.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
As a result, people who have anxiety may explore a variety of self-directed options to alleviate their symptoms. This can include:
- Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol
- Avoiding the situations that trigger their anxiety (such as social gatherings, ordering at restaurants, or spending time with friends)
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Failing to respond to calls or texts from friends
- Begging friends and loved ones for reassurance by frequently asking questions like, “Are you sure you’re not mad at me?” or “I’m sorry if I annoyed you!”
Anxiety is a very personal experience, so all of the symptoms on this list may not apply to everyone. But these are a few symptoms that are fairly common for most people who experience some form of anxiety.
When Should I Take An Anxiety Test?
Now that we’ve learned a little bit about the difference between typical nervousness and anxiety, you might be wondering when it’s time for you to take an anxiety test. You should consider taking an anxiety test if:
- You experience a lingering sense of anxiety or nervousness that persists for more than a couple of days
- You avoid certain people, places, or situations because of your anxiety
- You often experience physical symptoms of anxiety such as a racing heart, chills, sweats, or the sensation of a knot in your stomach
- You frequently wonder if your friends hate you or are talking about you behind your back
- You feel unable to fulfill your responsibilities or engage in activities you enjoy because of your anxiety
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s highly likely that your feelings can’t be chalked up to the typical nervousness that everybody experiences from time to time. And if your anxiety is holding you back, you don’t want to struggle in silence forever! Anxiety can feel isolating, but it is absolutely treatable! And taking an anxiety test— like this free one from Mind Diagnostics– can help you learn more about your symptoms. This test is not a replacement for a professional diagnosis by a licensed therapist, but it is a great place to start.
By taking an anxiety test in the comfort and privacy of your own home, you can conduct an honest self-evaluation of your symptoms and learn more about how your anxiety is impacting your life. You can also get information about the resources that are available to you, such as the contact information for a therapist who is qualified to treat anxiety. Reaching out for help may feel like a big step, but remember that getting help for your anxiety will open the door to your happiest, healthiest life! So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step by taking an anxiety test today!