Types of Anxiety Explained: Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Panic Disorder Symptoms
Anxiety is a natural part of life, helping people stay alert and respond to danger. But when it becomes persistent, overwhelming, or interferes with everyday activities, it may be a sign of something more than occasional stress. Anxiety disorders affect millions of individuals, each in unique ways. Understanding the different types of anxiety is the first step towards recognising symptoms and seeking helpful support. This article explores three common forms: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety, and Panic Disorder, breaking down what each feels like and how individuals can begin to manage them.
Understanding Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalised Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common forms of anxiety. It’s characterised by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life such as work, health, family, or finances; even when there’s little or no reason to worry.
People with GAD often describe their anxiety as feeling out of control. It can feel like a constant background noise in the mind; always thinking, always bracing for something to go wrong. The worry is difficult to turn off and often shifts from one topic to another without relief.
Common symptoms of GAD include:
Constant worry or anxiety about a wide range of topics
Overthinking plans and worst-case scenarios
Difficulty concentrating or feeling like the mind goes blank
Restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge
Muscle tension and physical aches
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Unlike stress that arises from a specific situation, GAD tends to persist over months or even years, making everyday life feel exhausting. Individuals may feel like they can never fully relax, even during quiet moments.
Navigating Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety, also known as Social Anxiety Disorder, goes beyond shyness. It’s an intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, criticised, or embarrassed. This fear can affect anything from speaking in public to everyday interactions like ordering coffee or joining a conversation.
What makes social anxiety especially challenging is the internal narrative. Individuals may fear being seen as awkward, boring, or unlikeable. They might replay conversations in their head, criticising themselves long after the interaction has ended.
Typical symptoms of Social Anxiety include:
Intense fear of being watched or judged by others
Avoidance of social settings, even those previously enjoyed
Physical symptoms like blushing, trembling, or sweating
Nausea or stomach discomfort in anticipation of social events
Difficulty making eye contact or speaking in groups
A strong need to plan out conversations in advance
These feelings can lead individuals to withdraw from friends, family, or opportunities, reinforcing a cycle of isolation. While the desire to avoid discomfort is understandable, it often deepens the anxiety over time.
Experiencing Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder involves sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear called panic attacks that strike without warning. These attacks can be so distressing that individuals begin to fear the fear itself, avoiding situations where they worry an attack might happen.
Panic attacks can mimic symptoms of a heart attack, which adds to the fear and confusion. The body goes into overdrive: racing heart, shallow breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or feeling detached from reality. These symptoms typically peak within 10 minutes but can feel much longer.
Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
Sudden overwhelming fear or sense of doom
Chest pain, heart palpitations, or rapid heartbeat
Sweating, shaking, or shortness of breath
Nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Chills or hot flushes
Feeling out of control or disconnected from the body
People with Panic Disorder may begin to avoid locations or activities associated with past attacks. For instance, someone who had a panic attack at the supermarket might stop going there altogether. Over time, this avoidance can significantly impact daily life.
What These Disorders Share
Though these three types of anxiety differ, they share some key similarities. Each involves a heightened sense of fear, worry, or discomfort that is disproportionate to the actual situation. They can all impact physical health, emotional wellbeing, and personal relationships. Importantly, none of them are a result of weakness or personal failure.
Anxiety disorders often develop from a mix of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, and life experiences. Past trauma, chronic stress, or significant life changes can all act as triggers. Recognising the signs is not about labelling oneself but about gaining clarity and with clarity comes the power to heal.
Coping and Moving Forward
Living with anxiety can feel isolating, but many effective strategies exist to support wellbeing. Understanding the type of anxiety is the first step toward finding the right tools. Here are some general approaches that can benefit all three conditions:
Breathing techniques: Deep, slow breathing can help calm the nervous system during anxious moments.
Mindfulness and grounding: Practices like meditation or focusing on the present moment can reduce overwhelming thoughts.
Movement: Regular physical activity helps release tension and boosts mood through natural chemicals in the brain.
Limiting stimulants: Reducing caffeine and sugar can help prevent spikes in anxiety.
Talking to someone: Whether it’s a friend, support group, or mental health professional, talking helps lighten the load.
Establishing routines: Structure and predictability can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety triggers.
For some individuals, professional support may include therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which teaches new ways to think and respond to anxiety. In some cases, medication may also be recommended. The path to managing anxiety is personal and may involve a combination of these approaches.
Reassurance for the Journey
Anxiety disorders can feel consuming, but they are also highly treatable. With the right support and strategies, individuals can regain confidence, reconnect with others, and rediscover enjoyment in daily life. It’s important to remember that healing is not about eliminating anxiety altogether but learning how to respond to it with compassion, resilience, and understanding.
Every step towards understanding anxiety is a step towards empowerment. Whether you’re recognising your own experiences or supporting someone else, awareness opens the door to meaningful change. Anxiety may be part of life’s landscape, but it doesn’t have to define the journey.