When I experience an anxiety attack, it’s not a mere sense of unease; it’s a physical and emotional turmoil that grips me entirely. Unlike how some celebrities casually describe their “panic attacks” during a flight, my episodes begin with the involuntary tightening of muscles, especially in my chest. My partner can always tell something is wrong by my expression, prompting him to say, “Breathe, just breathe.” But in those moments, each breath is a struggle. My breaths become erratic, culminating in frantic gasps as I grapple with the overwhelming sensation of impending doom.
In those instances, I feel trapped within my own body, like a wild animal confined and desperate to escape. These panic attacks can be so intense that I once contemplated getting a service dog until medication helped mitigate their severity. The emotional toll is such that I often require rest afterward to recover.
I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) by a highly regarded psychiatrist. Prior to treatment, everyday tasks like getting dressed could trigger a mental collapse. My social anxiety was so pronounced that I believed I had no friends, convinced that others were always critiquing me. Maintaining meaningful relationships was difficult, and even though my academic performance was strong, I felt paralyzed by feelings of inadequacy. My struggles with anxiety date back to when I was just eight years old. While GAD manifests differently for each individual, my experiences are not uncommon.
This is why I feel frustrated when “anxiety” is used so casually in today’s culture. It seems everyone is anxious these days, and as noted in the UK’s Metro, this frequent discussion can have a gaslighting effect on those who genuinely suffer from anxiety. The more that anxiety is trivialized in casual conversation, the more those with real anxiety disorders experience their pain dismissed. Vice’s Tonic column aptly states, “The colloquial use of anxiety terminology is a slap in the face to those who are truly suffering.”
Many people who reference their “anxiety” often aren’t referring to the debilitating conditions linked to GAD. Instead, they talk about typical stressors: overdue bills, unruly toddlers, or a messy home. Dr. Lisa Thompson, a psychiatrist at Urban Wellness Center in New York, emphasizes that anxiety can be a normal human experience. However, it becomes problematic when worry and nervousness begin to overshadow daily life, leading individuals to fixate on trivial matters—like choosing the perfect outfit or obsessing over a minor car incident—until it spirals into a tearful breakdown.
A 26-year-old named Jessica shared her perspective, stating, “There’s a vast difference between feeling anxious and experiencing anxiety. Life’s stresses can affect everyone, but those with anxiety disorders face an illness that can be profoundly debilitating and long-lasting.” This sentiment is entirely valid.
It’s crucial to use language with precision—to distinguish between “worry” and “anxiety,” recognizing that being upset over something does not equate to having a psychological disorder. While my GAD is severe enough that I rely on medication just to function, I still experience typical nervousness regarding everyday concerns. These are normal worries, distinct from the crippling fears associated with anxiety disorders.
We must acknowledge the differences between typical anxiety and a diagnosed anxiety disorder. Failing to do so diminishes the very real suffering of individuals with GAD, social anxiety disorder, and OCD. Furthermore, it can prevent those in need from seeking the help they require.
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In summary, understanding the distinction between feeling anxious and suffering from anxiety is vital. While anxiety can be a part of many people’s lives, it is essential to recognize that true anxiety disorders can be debilitating and require appropriate attention and care.