Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes, and before diving in to the topic itself, going over the terms and definitions of what types there are, and how to identify and name each disorder is very helpful.

 

• Anxiety: the feeling of nervousness, dread, or unease that is usually about an event that is going to happen, or something that has an uncertain outcome. Usually it is more severe than something like a job interview, meeting someone new, etc., and can branch out into "what if"s.

• Panic Attack: an overwhelming feeling of dread, and a feeing of cripling disability. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness, but depends on the person. (Not everyone experiences the same things.)

• Panic Disorder: When fear and anxiety come about for no reason, usually multiple times and sometimes in the same area or similar activity. It can also cause people to have aversions to areas or situations where they had an anxiety.

• Separation Anxiety: anxiety usually found in children with a need or longing to be with their parent(s), or separated from a familiar environment. Accompanied by dread, nervousness, and panic. 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): characterized by excessive, unrealistic worry that becomes persistant and exaggerated. Sometimes the person can also become pessimistic and think the worst of simple situations, also sometimes resulting in "what if"s. GAD affects 6.8 million adults, which is 3.1% of the US population.

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): person suffers from unwanted, intrusive thoughts that won't go away, usually turning into obsessions. They often lead them to perform ritualistic tasks and routines to try and calm such thoughts, such as organizing certain objects or checking appliances. OCD affects 2.2 million adults, 1.0% of the population.

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): for people who have undergone traumatic events, said to experience flashbacks, can be set off by specific events (or triggers), relating or pertaining to event. PTSD affects 7.7 million, 3.5% of the population.

• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): the extreme fear of being judged by others in social or performance situations. This can also deal with having a hard time in talking to new people or joining groups. This can disrupt daily lives, functions, and interactions with others. SAD affects 15 million, 6.8% of the population.