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Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can interfere with daily life. Below are the common symptoms of anxiety:
Physical Symptoms:
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Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
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Sweating
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Trembling or shaking
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Shortness of breath or feeling smothered
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Muscle tension
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Fatigue or weakness
Emotional Symptoms:
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Persistent worry or fear about everyday situations
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A constant sense of impending doom
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Irritability or restlessness
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Difficulty concentrating or feeling "on edge"
Behavioral Symptoms:
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Avoiding situations that might trigger anxiety
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Trouble relaxing or calming down
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Compulsive behaviors to manage anxiety (e.g., excessive checking, reassurance-seeking)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after an individual experiences a traumatic event. It's normal to feel afraid or upset immediately after the event, but when the symptoms persist and interfere with daily functioning, it could be PTSD.
Reliving the Trauma (Re-experiencing Symptoms):
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Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the trauma
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Nightmares or distressing dreams
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Emotional numbness or detachment from others
Avoidance Symptoms:
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Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind the person of the traumatic event
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Feeling emotionally detached or distant from others
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Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Hyperarousal Symptoms:
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Heightened alertness or being easily startled
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Trouble sleeping or insomnia
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Irritability or angry outbursts
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Difficulty concentrating
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Persistent, intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, and repetitive behaviors, known as compulsions, characterize OCD.
Obsessions (Unwanted Thoughts):
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Fear of contamination or germs
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Fears about harm or violence (either self-inflicted or toward others)
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Intrusive thoughts related to religion, morality, or blasphemy
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A need for order or symmetry
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Unwanted sexual or aggressive thoughts
Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviors):
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Excessive washing, cleaning, or handwashing
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Repeated checking (e.g., checking locks, stoves, or appliances)
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Mental rituals like counting or praying
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Arranging items in a specific order
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Repeating actions until it "feels right"
Behavioral Symptoms:
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Time-consuming rituals that interfere with daily tasks
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Difficulty stopping compulsions even when realizing they are excessive
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Feelings of distress if rituals are interrupted
Each of these conditions affects individuals differently, and symptoms may vary in intensity and duration. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional for proper diagnosis and support.