Resources

Fear vs Anxiety

Fear and anxiety are normal emotions we experience that serve a survival importance. We need these emotions to keep us alert of potential danger or to motivate us to act in a certain way. However, these emotions become problematic when they recur and interfere with the completion of everyday, normal activities.

Fear is defined by a basic emotional reaction caused by the recognition of imminent or probable danger. It acts as a thought of looming danger to one's safety.

Anxiety is a much more extended and intricate emotional state that is usually triggered by an initial fear. Anxiety becomes persistent as one is consumed with the future possibility of some event. It involves a state of doubt and physical arousal such that one does not believe they can control or predict future situations. Anxiety is always focused on the future and involves "What if" thinking.

Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that develops from fear of social situations where one might be embarrassed from the risk of being perceived negatively by others. Social anxiety is distinguished by physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, increased heart rate, hardships in expressing oneself well, and blushing.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on three main behaviors that are common within social anxiety: fear of negative evaluation, heightened self-focus, and extensive avoidance.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions and is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about a range of subjective concerns—relationship worries, financial problems, health concerns, work or school stressors, etc.

GAD differs from everyday worrying as it involves 6 or more months of recurrent and intense worry and tension. Many who have GAD tend to expect the worst case scenario in situations and excessively worry even when there is no realistic reason to.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by repeated, unanticipated panic attacks which involve physical symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and concerns of having a heart attack. Many with this disorder have persistent concerns about when their next attack could occur or feel as if they are in danger when danger is not imminent.

Panic disorder in combination with compelling avoidance is called panic disorder with agoraphobia. Agoraphobia involves extreme avoidance of scenarios in which it may be difficult to escape.