The following guide is for informational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or give medical advice.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat.
Anxiety disorders are conditions in which you have anxiety that does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.
People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
(Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961; NIMH, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders; Medline Plus, https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html)
Stress Or Anxiety?
Generally, stress is a response to an external cause, such as a tight deadline at work or having an argument with a friend, and subsides once the situation has been resolved.
Anxiety is a person’s specific reaction to stress; its origin is internal. Anxiety is typically characterized by a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread in situations that are not actually threatening. Unlike stress, anxiety persists even after a concern has passed.
(Stress vs Anxiety, https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/06/stress-vs-anxiety/)
Types of Anxiety
All people are different, so your symptoms may vary, but this is a list of possible symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Panic Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Phobias
(NIMH, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders; Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561; Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT teaches people different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to anxiety-producing and fearful objects and situations.
Behavioral Therapy
This form of therapy seeks to identify and help change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. It functions on the idea that all behaviors are learned and that unhealthy behaviors can be changed.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are practices to help bring about the body’s “relaxation response,” which is characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy focuses on confronting the fears underlying an anxiety disorder to help people engage in activities they have been avoiding.
Medication
Medication does not cure anxiety disorders but can help relieve symptoms. Medication for anxiety is prescribed by doctors, such as a psychiatrist or primary care provider. Medication types include anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.
(NIMH, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders; Mindful, https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/; NIH, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-what-you-need-to-know; Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/behavioral-therapy)
For a comprehensive list of McFarlin databases consult our A-Z Database List. Databases may require you sign into the library system before viewing; you will be automatically prompted if a login is necessary.
For a comprehensive list of McFarlin books about anxiety consult our library catalog. Some ebooks may require you sign into the library system before viewing; you will be automatically prompted if a login is necessary.
You may want to get help for any mental health issue if it lasts for a long period of time or begins to interfere with your ability to function, such as eat, study, and have fun. TU has counselors who would love to help you with your mental health.
This site provides information about and contact information for TU's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
If you are having a mental health crisis, the following sites provide help:
Call or text 988 - Oklahoma's statewide mental health lifeline