When anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder

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In small doses, worry, stress, fear and anxiety can be motivating. Excessive anxiety or stress, however, can leave you moody, unproductive and unable to make decisions.

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased heart rate and shortness of breath. In addition to these symptoms of anxiety, you may also experience sweating, trembling, insomnia, headaches and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Chronic anxiety can weaken your immune system, lead to heart disease, diseases of the GI system and a whole host of other serious health conditions.

Long-term anxiety can also lead to substance abuse, depression and other mental issues.

A little anxiety is normal

Anxiety is that feeling you may get when you make a major life decision, face a problem at work or before you take a test. This type of anxiety is usually short lived, related to a specific life event and doesn’t dramatically interfere with other aspects of your life.

"Anxiety is a natural, normal part of life,” said Dr. Matthew Stanley, senior medical director of behavioral health at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “Sometimes it may not feel that way, but it’s normal to feel anxious. The key is to learn how to manage that anxiety."

When anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder

Anxiety becomes a disorder when anxiety symptoms impact all areas of life, including with your family, in social situations and at school or work. No one experiences anxiety in the same way. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Selective mutism
• Phobias
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety disorder
• Medication- or substance-induced anxiety disorder

The symptoms of an anxiety disorder can start in childhood and continue into adulthood. Stanley advises that an anxiety disorder shouldn't be diagnosed until the symptoms affect an important aspect of a person's life.

"There’s a big difference between being occasionally anxious due to a life event and being so anxious that you can't function in normal daily activities," said Stanley.

Five facts about anxiety disorders

1. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million Americans over age 18.
2. There are 11 types of anxiety disorders, each with its own specific set of symptoms.
3. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
4. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
5. Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality and life events.

When to see a provider about your anxiety

If you or a loved one find yourself constantly worrying, feeling restless or finding it difficult to control your feelings of anxiety, reach out to a primary care provider. They will be able to help you understand your symptoms and triggers to determine the best treatment option — whether that be through therapy, prescription drugs or a combination of the two.

If you don't have a primary care provider, log in to myWellmark to find one near you.

If you're more comfortable meeting with a provider virtually, most Wellmark members have virtual visit benefits. Get 24/7 access to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to talk about your anxiety and get the help you need. This can also be a great option for care if you can’t wait to see your primary care provider.

If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This lifeline is available 24/7 and will connect callers with a trained crisis counselor who can help. In the case of an emergency, always call 911.

Looking for realistic tips to help control anxiety? Retrain your brain to ward off worries.