ARP 382 What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Trying to get back into the flow. I still don't have a desk or recording equipment. My phone will have to do the job. This is a quick pebble in the road on what is a mental health disorder.

Mental health disorders can affect a person's mood, feelings or become intrusive thoughts.

Most of us have experienced high stress periods or feeling like it's too much or way too much, or you really can't stand it anymore. 

For those of us with continuous anxiety symptoms, it leans more toward being a disorder. 

Or a condition.

Now, it's really important that you don't self-diagnose. You really should have a thorough workup by your doctor because there are so many physical health problems that have the exact same symptoms as an anxiety symptoms. 

I just want you to have a better understanding of what those terms mean. 

Bottom line, you have anxiety, you have anxiety symptoms, and they seem to be going on for a long time. It could be a condition. It could be a disorder. 

Or it could just be something that you're dealing with and you're learning how to handle.


If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

The World Health Organization has an information page on mental disorders. 

The American Psychiatric Association has page on What is Mental Illness?. The site uses condition and disorder. 

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.