How Long Does Anxiety Last?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats. It is a very common phenomenon that the majority of people suffer from. A small amount of anxiety is normal, and almost everyone has felt anxious at least a few times in their lives.

Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety are:

• Excessive worrying
• Panic attacks
• Phobias
• Social avoidance

Anxiety becomes a problem when it starts affecting your daily life and acts as a hindrance. This is when you should start thinking about getting professional help to alleviate the symptoms that are affecting your daily life.

Types of Anxiety and How Long They Last

There are several types of anxiety. To understand which one you are suffering from, you need to consult an anxiety specialist, who will talk to you, gain knowledge of your symptoms and history, and then diagnose you.

A few common types of anxiety are:

Normal Everyday Anxiety

This is a very common short-term anxiety that happens in daily life. For example:

• Feeling nervous before an exam or presentation.
• Worrying about meeting someone new.
• Being tense before a medical test.

This lasts for a very short period of time and the feeling passes as soon as you calm down.

Acute Anxiety or Panic Attack

A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of fear that comes out of nowhere. The body reacts strongly with symptoms like:

• Fast heartbeat
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling like something bad will happen

A panic attack often starts and heightens within 10 minutes and usually dies down within 30 minutes to an hour. But sometimes, the feeling of fear or exhaustion can last for a few more hours afterward.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD makes you feel anxious almost all the time, even without the presence of a reason. You may have worries about health, work, family, or everyday situations.

GAD can last for months or even years if untreated. This type of anxiety comes and goes over a period of time.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety is a strong fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. People with social anxiety often worry about being watched, criticized, or rejected by others.

This fear can overwhelm everyday activities like talking to people, attending social gatherings, or ordering food. The pressure of avoiding embarrassment can cause a lot of stress, making it hard to relax around other people.

The anxiety can start before the event and continue during and after it. In severe cases, it can become a long-term issue unless treated.

How to Reduce Anxiety Duration?

Anxiety may feel never-ending, but it can be controlled with certain measures. Here are some easy methods that you can use to shorten the duration of anxiety:

Make some Lifestyle Changes

• Get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly or go for daily walks
• Limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake

Practice Relaxation Techniques

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Listening to calming music

Talking to Someone

Sharing your feelings with friends, family, or a therapist can help reduce anxious thoughts.

Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy used to treat anxiety.

Medication

Anxiety specialists may prescribe medicines alongside therapy, if needed.

So, how long does anxiety last? The truth is, it depends from person to person. For some, it can last for a few hours or days, while for others, it can go on for months or years. The main thing is to remember that anxiety does not have to control your life. The sooner it is addressed, the faster it can heal.

If you feel anxiety is making your life worse, consult an anxiety specialist as soon as possible.