Not All Anxiety Looks the Same: Exploring the Types of Anxiety
Feeling anxious from time to time is a natural part of life, but when it lingers, becomes overwhelming, or interferes with daily activities, it may be more than just occasional anxiety—it may be an anxiety disorder. Millions of people in the United States experience some form of anxiety disorder, but it doesn’t always look the same.
For women over 40, anxiety can be especially complex. You may appear successful on the outside, yet inside, you battle feelings of anxiety that don’t seem to go away. Maybe it’s a constant undercurrent of worry, racing thoughts at night, or an unshakable sense that something isn’t quite right. Understanding the several types of anxiety disorders can help you recognize what you're experiencing—and take meaningful steps toward relief.
In this article, we’ll explore:
What are the different types of anxiety?
How anxiety affects mental health and physical symptoms
Which is not a type of anxiety disorder?
Will anxiety disorder ever go away?
Management and treatment options
If you’ve been wondering whether your anxiety will ever go away, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down together.
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety?
Anxiety doesn’t fit neatly into one box. It shows up in different ways, and recognizing the specific type of anxiety you experience is the first step toward healing. Whether it's persistent worrying, sudden panic attacks, or overwhelming fear in social settings, anxiety can affect your life in ways that are both visible and invisible.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, excessive anxiety that interferes with daily activities may signal an anxiety disorder.
Let’s explore the several types of anxiety disorders, their symptoms of anxiety, and how they can show up in women’s lives.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): When Worry Becomes Constant
If you’ve ever felt like your mind is running a marathon of worries—about work, relationships, health, or the future—you’re not alone. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting nearly 6.8 million adults in the U.S., yet only 43% receive treatment.
Signs and symptoms of GAD may include:
Persistent worry or fear that feels uncontrollable
Restlessness, feeling on edge, or irritability
Physical symptoms of anxiety like muscle tension, headaches, or stomach issues
Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally exhausted
Additional Reading: Learn more about Perfectionism, Overthinking, and the Hidden Pressure to Always Get It Right.
Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness
Do you ever feel overwhelmed at social gatherings? Or avoid speaking in meetings because of a deep fear of being judged? Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)—sometimes called social phobia—goes beyond introversion. It causes an intense fear of embarrassment, rejection, or negative evaluation in social settings.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 12.1% of U.S. adults will experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. For women in leadership roles or high-pressure careers, this can be especially challenging, making it difficult to network, present, or even engage in casual conversations.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include:
Feeling intense worry and fear before or during social interactions
Avoiding certain situations, like public speaking or social events
Physical symptoms can include blushing, sweating, trembling, or nausea
Fear that others are noticing and judging your anxiety
Panic Disorder: When Anxiety Feels Like an Ambush
Imagine feeling completely fine one moment, then suddenly experiencing overwhelming terror, a racing heart, and trouble breathing. That’s what a panic attack can feel like.
Panic disorder is marked by recurring unexpected panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere. It affects about 2–3% of adults in the U.S. each year. Many people mistake these episodes for medical emergencies, as the symptoms can mimic a heart attack.
Symptoms of panic disorder may include:
Sudden, intense fear or terror
Shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain
Sweat, chills, or numbness
Feeling detached from reality or fearing loss of control
Phobias and Specific Phobias: When Fear Takes Over
Not all anxiety is generalized. Some are tied to specific fears—such as flying, heights, or enclosed spaces. These are known as specific phobias, and they can significantly disrupt daily life.
A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of an object or situation that triggers extreme anxiety. For example, social phobia (a severe form of social anxiety disorder) can make professional networking or even casual socializing feel unbearable.
Common specific phobias include:
Agoraphobia – Fear of places where escape feels difficult
Acrophobia – Fear of heights
Claustrophobia – Fear of confined spaces
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): When the Past Still Feels Present
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) isn’t just about war or major disasters. It can also stem from childhood trauma, toxic relationships, accidents, or sudden losses. Women who have experienced a traumatic event—even if it was decades ago—may still carry its emotional weight today.
PTSD affects about 8 million adults each year. It changes the brain’s response to stress, leaving individuals hyper-aware of potential danger.
Signs of PTSD may include:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the trauma
Emotional numbness or fear and avoidance of certain people or places
Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or irritability
No matter what type of anxiety you’re experiencing, know that relief is possible. Working with a mental health provider, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help you navigate the root of your anxiety and find effective treatment for anxiety—whether it’s psychotherapy, mindfulness techniques, or lifestyle changes.
Which Is Not a Type of Anxiety Disorder? Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
Understanding the nuances of mental health conditions can be challenging, especially when symptoms overlap. This often leads to confusion about which conditions are classified as anxiety disorders and which are not. Let's clarify some common misconceptions to help you seek the appropriate support.
Depression: A Separate Mood Disorder
Depression, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities, is not classified as an anxiety disorder. However, it's important to note that individuals with depression may also experience anxiety symptoms, leading to a complex interplay between these conditions.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Distinct but Related
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). While anxiety is a significant component of OCD, it is categorized separately from anxiety disorders in the diagnostic manual, DSM-5-TR.
Stress-Related Burnout: A Response to Chronic Stress
Burnout results from prolonged exposure to chronic workplace stress and is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. Although burnout can lead to feelings of anxiety, it is not considered an anxiety disorder.
Adjustment Disorders: Context-Specific Emotional Responses
Adjustment disorders occur in response to identifiable stressors, leading to emotional or behavioral symptoms. These reactions are disproportionate to the severity of the stressor, can have features of anxiety and depression, but are not classified as an anxiety disorder.
Why These Distinctions Matter
Recognizing which conditions are not classified as anxiety disorders is essential for several reasons:
Accurate Diagnosis: Differentiating between anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions ensures that individuals receive appropriate and effective treatment.
Tailored Treatment: Each mental health condition has specific therapeutic approaches.
Improved Outcomes: Understanding the specific nature of one's mental health condition can lead to better coping strategies and overall well-being.
Seeking the Right Support
If you're experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life, it's important to consult a mental health professional. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the nature of your condition and recommend appropriate interventions. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and understanding your mental health is a vital step toward healing.
Will Anxiety Disorder Ever Go Away? Understanding Long-Term Healing
Living with an anxiety disorder can feel like an endless journey, leading many to wonder: Will anxiety ever go away? The reality is, while anxiety may not completely disappear, it is entirely possible to manage it effectively and regain control over your life.
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress and potential threats. However, when it becomes chronic and interferes with daily activities, it transitions into an anxiety disorder.
While eliminating anxiety entirely may not be feasible, numerous strategies have proven effective in reducing its negative impact. It's essential to reframe the objective from eradicating anxiety to managing it effectively. This perspective shift acknowledges that occasional anxiety is a part of life but emphasizes that it doesn't have to control your existence.
Additional Reading: You might also want to read Does Anxiety Get Worse in Middle Age? Why It Happens & What You Can Do About It.
By implementing effective strategies and seeking appropriate support, you can diminish anxiety's grip, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Management and Treatment for Anxiety: Finding What Works for You
When anxiety starts to take over, it can feel like you’re trapped in a cycle of worry and stress. But relief is possible. People with anxiety disorders don’t have to suffer in silence—there are effective strategies that can help. Whether through therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or medication, finding the right approach can make a world of difference. The key is to personalize your treatment, ensuring it aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
Therapy and Professional Support
One of the most effective ways to help with anxiety is working with a trained mental health professional who can guide you through the right therapeutic approach.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most researched treatments for anxiety. It helps people recognize negative thought patterns that cause anxiety and replace them with healthier coping mechanisms. Studies show that CBT is effective in treating people with anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): For those whose anxiety stems from a traumatic event, EMDR therapy is a highly effective method. By using guided eye movements, EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with separation anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Brainspotting: Brainspotting works by identifying specific “brainspots”—eye positions linked to unresolved trauma. By focusing on these spots with the guidance of a therapist, people with anxiety can access and process emotions at a deeper level. This technique is particularly useful for those struggling with chronic stress and anxiety disorders.
Exposure Therapy: For those who may feel anxious in certain situations, exposure therapy is a powerful approach. It gradually introduces individuals to their fear and anxiety triggers in a controlled way, helping them build resilience. It’s particularly effective for people with panic disorder, phobias, and social anxiety.
Additional Reading: Discover How Women Over 40 Can Benefit From EMDR & Brainspotting.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent Anxiety from Taking Over
While therapy provides essential tools, everyday lifestyle changes can also help prevent anxiety from escalating.
Physical Movement and Mindfulness: Regular exercise, particularly strength training and yoga, can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety. People with anxiety disorders often experience heightened nervous system activity, and movement helps regulate this response. Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing techniques can also bring the body back into balance, reducing the likelihood of anxiety attacks.
Setting Boundaries: For many women, anxiety stems from overextending themselves in both personal and professional settings. Learning to set clear boundaries at work and in relationships can prevent excessive anxiety. When you prioritize your emotional needs, you create an environment where healing can happen.
Challenging Self-Critical Thoughts: Negative self-talk can cause anxiety to spiral. A core element of CBT is learning to recognize and challenge these thoughts. When you shift your inner dialogue from self-criticism to self-compassion, your symptoms may naturally lessen over time.
Medication: A Tool, Not a Requirement
Some people benefit from medication as part of their treatment for anxiety, while others prefer to focus solely on therapy and lifestyle changes. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Certain medications, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), help balance brain chemistry and reduce anxiety symptoms. These medications are often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and separation anxiety disorder. A mental health provider can help determine if medication is a good option based on your specific needs.
While medication can be helpful, it is not a cure-all. People with anxiety benefit most from a combination of treatments—therapy, lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, medication. The goal is to create a personalized plan that helps you feel in control of your mental health.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a life with less anxiety, I’m here to help. Let’s explore the best treatment options for you—ones that align with your needs, values, and goals.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Anxiety Alone—Let’s Find Relief Together
Anxiety can be overwhelming, making even simple decisions feel exhausting. When anxiety becomes a daily struggle, it’s easy to feel stuck. But you don’t have to go through it alone. As a licensed therapist, I specialize in helping women uncover the deeper patterns behind their anxiety, offering compassionate support tailored to your needs.
There’s no known single cause of anxiety, but research shows that past trauma, perfectionism, and chronic stress all play a role in its development. Left unaddressed, anxiety may not go away on its own, and it can even increase the risk of developing other conditions, including depression or physical illness.
Healing starts with understanding. Through personalized anxiety therapy, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface—breaking free from old patterns and building a life that truly aligns with you. Get in touch today.