Anxiety is a common state in daily life, but do you ever feel that the word “anxiety” immediately brings a sense of dread? According to Merriam-Webster, anxiety is defined as a feeling of uneasiness or tension, often associated with a vague threat or an anticipated negative event. However, how each person experiences anxiety can vary greatly, as it can manifest in different forms and levels.
On the specialized psychology YouTube channel Psych2Go, which has over 12.5 million subscribers, experts have outlined five levels of anxiety, from the mildest to the most severe, to help you better understand this condition. Specifically:
1. Minimal anxiety
At this level, you are almost unaffected by anxiety in daily life. You can focus on work and complete tasks with little to no disruption. Physical symptoms are nearly nonexistent, or if they do appear, they are so subtle that you may not even notice them. Minimal anxiety typically occupies only a small part of your day and does not cause significant obstacles.
2. Mild anxiety
Do you often feel shy in social situations? Or do you tend to stand alone in a corner at parties? Mild anxiety, also known as subclinical anxiety, may come with mild symptoms such as muscle tension or stomachaches, but they are usually not too severe. Even though you may feel anxious, you are still able to accomplish most of your daily tasks without much difficulty. Don’t blame yourself if you find it hard to connect with others—the important thing is that you made an effort to step out of your comfort zone.
3. Moderate anxiety
At this level, anxiety begins to have a noticeable impact on your life. You may experience issues with sleep, such as irregular sleep patterns or insomnia. Anxiety can also reduce your appetite or cause frequent headaches. Additionally, you might feel more tense and irritable, leading to a slightly panicky state or a constant feeling of being “on edge.”
4. Severe anxiety
Do you frequently feel tightness in your chest or have difficulty digesting food? Severe anxiety is often a persistent state that brings strong physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and exhaustion. At this level, you might avoid meeting friends and family, spending most of your time alone. Severe anxiety is also closely linked to a higher risk of major depression, causing you to lose energy and motivation to continue with daily life.
5. Debilitating anxiety
This is the most severe level of anxiety, making it impossible for you to carry out daily activities. You may experience frequent panic attacks, sweating, trembling, fatigue, and insomnia. Even the simplest tasks, such as leaving the house, become a significant challenge. Debilitating anxiety leaves you feeling helpless and trapped in a constant state of fear.
Conclusion
Anxiety can appear at various levels and affect each person differently. Which level do you think you are at among these five levels? Or do you feel like you are somewhere in between two levels? Wherever you are, remember that you are not alone. Many people care about you and are ready to support you through these challenges.
Watch the full video HERE.
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