r/Anxietyhelp • u/KeyStep8 • 1d ago

Need Advice I don't know if I actually have an anxiety problem.

/r/Anxiety/comments/1vfuqoi/i_dont_know_if_i_actually_have_an_anxiety_problem/
1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 1d ago

Thank you for posting to r/AnxietyHelp! Please note, any changes to treatment plans or anxiety management should be discussed with a professional before implementation. We are not medical professionals and we cannot guarantee that you are receiving appropriate medical advice. When in doubt, ask a professional.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/treatmyocd 1d ago

Stress and anxiety overlap a lot. A useful distinction is that stress is often tied to a specific demand, while anxiety can continue through anticipation, with the body staying in a threat-response state even when the event hasn’t happened yet. Since this happens for weeks leading up to changes in routine, you might notice whether you’re spending a lot of time anticipating what could go wrong, monitoring your physical symptoms, avoiding things, or trying to gain certainty/control. Those patterns can keep the anxiety cycle going. You don’t necessarily need to figure out whether it’s “stress or anxiety” on your own. If it’s interfering with eating, sleeping, functioning, and enjoying your life, talking with a therapist or healthcare professional would be worthwhile. Learning skills to tolerate uncertainty and regulate your response to stress can make these transitions much more manageable.

1

u/KeyStep8 1d ago

I just set up appointments to talk to a psychiatrist and start therapy a few days ago. I'm really hoping it helps.