People always ask me, "Do I need treatment for my anxiety, or is this just how everyone feels?" Well, when you've been dealing with anxiety for months or even years, it starts to feel like it's just the way things are. Like constant worry is the new normal. But there's a huge difference between having chronic anxiety and just feeling a bit nervous.
Nervousness is temporary and circumstantial, tied to a specific event or situation. Once that event passes, the nervousness fades away. On the other hand, anxiety is not limited to a particular event but rather pervasive across various areas. It's as if people with anxiety can always find something to worry about and are constantly feeling dread.
Nervousness can feel really uncomfortable, but it is generally manageable. A person who is nervous can stop the worries with some effort. But when a person has anxiety, it's as if they're consumed by the worrying thoughts or stuck in an anxiety loop. It can feel like they don't have control over their worries and can't stop the intrusive thoughts.
When people are nervous, they might worry about a particular event, but are still able to engage. A person can be nervous about starting a new job, but is still able to show up on the first day. Anxiety is much more intense. People with anxiety can overthink and overanalyze situations so much that they procrastinate or have difficulty making decisions, holding conversations, or engaging in healthy social situations.
If you're having a hard time keeping your worries in check, feeling like anxiety is dragging you down, or those intrusive thoughts just won't quit, maybe it's worth considering therapy for anxiety disorders. Dealing with anxiety can be draining, but counseling and treatment can really help you find some relief!