How to Tell the Difference Between Anxious and Nervous Feelings

As a BetterHelp
affiliate, we receive compensation from BetterHelp if
you purchase products or services through the links
provided

Feeling a little anxious or nervous is normal when facing a big challenge or an important event. But how can you tell the difference between anxious and nervous feelings? And more importantly, how can you manage those feelings so they don’t take over your life?

Identifying what is just nervous jitters and what might be a more severe anxiety disorder is essential. Read on to learn more about the difference between anxiety and nervousness.

The Difference Between Anxious and Nervous

You might feel nervous when you have to speak in front of a group or you’re going on a first date. These nerves are normal and tend to disappear once the event ends. You will likely feel your heart racing, and you might even feel like you’re going to vomit. But these feelings are short-lived and don’t typically interfere with your life.

On the other hand, anxiety is more than just nervousness before an event. It’s a constant feeling of worry, fear, or unease that can last for weeks or longer. This anxiety can interfere with your work, school, and personal relationships. You might avoid certain situations because you’re afraid of having an anxiety attack.

Some people interchange the terms “anxiety” and “nervousness.” But there is a big difference between the two. Nervousness is a normal feeling that everyone experiences from time to time. Anxiety is a more severe condition that can harm your life if it’s not managed.

If you don’t learn how to manage your anxiety, it can result in an anxiety disorder that will become more difficult to control. Some common anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Phobias

If you’re struggling to tell the difference between feeling nervous and feeling anxious, ask yourself the following questions:

How often do you feel this way?
Is there a specific trigger that makes you feel this way?
How long does the feeling last?

Does it interfere with your daily life?

If you’re constantly feeling anxious or on edge, and this feeling lasts for more than six months, you might have an anxiety disorder. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional if you’re struggling with anxiety is essential. They can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

How to Manage Nerves

Feelings of nervousness usually subside after the event or situation you’re worried about is over. This could be within a few minutes or a few hours. In the meantime, there are some things that you can do to help calm your nerves, such as:

Deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help you relax your body and focus on the present moment.

Visualization: Picture yourself completing the task or event that makes you feel nervous. For example, if you’re anxious about giving a presentation, visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech.

Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. Start by tensing your toes and feet for five seconds, then release the tension. Work your way up your body until you reach your head and neck.

Connect one-on-one with a Psychiatrist

Remember that everyone gets nervous sometimes – it’s a natural and normal feeling.

How to Manage Anxiety Disorders

Coping with anxiety disorders is more complicated than dealing with nervousness. If you have an anxiety disorder, you might need medication, therapy, or a combination of both to manage your symptoms.

Some people with anxiety disorders might benefit from medications called anxiolytics. These drugs can help relieve anxiety by affecting how certain chemicals work in your brain.

CBT or exposure therapy commonly treats mild anxiety and general anxiety disorder (GAD). These therapies can help you learn how to manage your stress by changing the way that you think about and react to anxious situations.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Feeling anxious can sometimes lead to panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden and intense fear or anxiety that can come on without warning. Panic attacks typically peak within 10 minutes, but the symptoms can last for hours.

People with panic attacks often feel like they’re going to die or lose control of themselves. They might also have physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

If you have panic attacks, you might be diagnosed with panic disorder. This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic disorder can be treated with medications, therapy, or a combination.

Don’t try to tough it out if you’re struggling with anxiety or panic attacks. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional to get your needed help.

How to Know if You Have an Anxiety Disorder

While it’s essential to recognize the indicators that suggest you might have an anxiety disorder, you shouldn’t diagnose yourself. Only a professional can make a diagnosis.

Summary: Understanding the Difference Between Anxious and Nervous

Anxiety and nervousness are usually used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Everyone feels nervous at some point, but anxiety is more than just a feeling.

Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart and shortness of breath. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional if you’re struggling with anxiety is essential. They can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

What is the difference between anxiety and nervousness?

Nervousness is a normal feeling that everyone experiences from time to time. Anxiety is more than just a feeling – it’s a mental health disorder that can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart and shortness of breath.

How do I know if I have anxiety and I’m not just nervous?

If you’re constantly feeling anxious or on edge, and this feeling lasts for more than six months, you might have an anxiety disorder. It’s important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you’re struggling with anxiety.

What’s the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is the feeling of fear, worry, and unease. An anxiety disorder is when these persistent feelings interfere with your day-to-day life.

When does anxiety become a disorder?

Anxiety becomes a disorder when persistent feelings interfere with your day-to-day life.