In this world there are many things one can be worried about, however, to be constantly worried or on guard for bad situations can be sign of a mental condition known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The feeling of fear or anxiety from time to time is perfectly normal for most human beings; it’s when this fear turns into a persistent or constant anxiety that problems begin to occur for an individual.

Below are a listing of various symptoms that can be associated with chronic anxiety, however, keep a couple things in mind. For one, these signs are not 100% inclusive, you may be suffering differently then what’s listed here. Also note, that many of these symptoms are common with other disorders like depression. Only you and your doctor can determine what you may be suffering from, so please go talk with him or her about how you feel before looking at treatment options.

Emotional

• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Constantly feeling being “on guard” or “edge”
• Chronic fear of the worst
• Feeling of a “blank mindedness”

Physical

• High muscle tension
• Shortness of breath
• Sleeping problems
• Nausea
• Pounding heart, palpitations
• Cold feet or hands

Anxiety can in both men and women, and if you constantly have any of these symptoms you should go talk to a personal physician. Remember these symptoms or signs are not exclusive to chronic anxiety so be sure to discuss all possibilities with your doctor before seeking treatment.

The exact cause of anxiety in general is unknown and can be unique to any person’s given situation, although, having an anxiety disorder of any kind does not mean you had a poor upbringing or negative character flaw. Most often it is found that a patient has had a change in environmental stressors, i.e. new job, change in residence, death in the family, etc. In a few cases, scientists have noted that the feeling of dread or worry that is common in anxiety can be brought on by chemical imbalances inside the brain. This is rare though and, in most situations, the cause generally stems from an outside trauma or event that the sufferer has been involved in.