About 260 million people across the world have an anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with one of these disorders as men. While it is still unknown why anxiety disorders seem to affect the genders differently, it is evident that women seem to have unique symptoms. The differences seem to stem from a mix of biological, social, and psychological factors.
Different Types of Anxiety in Women
While everyone can be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, the symptoms seem to present differently in women.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Women with GAD are in a constant state of worry over everyday matters, often expecting the worst possible outcome. This excessive worry starts to seep into daily responsibilities at work, with family care, and in relationships. Physical symptoms may be more present in women, such as muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, which only adds to the stress. Hormone fluctuations and societal pressures can also increase GAD symptoms in women.
Panic Disorder
This mental health condition in women causes extreme, prolonged feelings of fear and discomfort. It is accompanied by physical symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and racing heart rate. Panic attacks come on suddenly and fast. Most of the time, women are worrying about when their next attack will be, that it unintentionally triggers another one.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Women with SAD may struggle with feeling self-conscious, inadequate, and judged. The fear of engaging in social interactions is so overwhelming that women may choose to isolate themselves instead. Social skills may start to decline, affecting personal and professional relationships.
Prenatal and Postpartum Anxiety
Hormonal fluctuations, role changes, and adjustments into parenthood may all contribute to the development of prenatal or postpartum anxiety. Symptoms may look similar to GAD, but are more focused on concerns with pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Women
Behavioral Patterns
- Perfectionism: Anxiety can cause women to hold themselves to unrealistically high standards in both personal and professional life.
- Over-Apologizing: A heightened fear of being judged, misunderstood, or feeling insecure can lead to excessive apologies for behaviors.
- Avoidance: Women may avoid situations that provoke anxiety, limiting their connections and opportunities.
Emotional Responses
- Self-Doubt: Women may experience heightened levels of self-criticism, feeling like they’re not doing enough in their various roles as mothers, partners, and friends.
- Excessive Worry: Anxiety in women can be centered around interpersonal relationships, safety and health concerns, and fear for the future.
- Mood Swings: Hormonal cycles can heighten emotional responses, causing irritability and sadness.
Physical Symptoms
- Digestive Issues: Women with anxiety may experience stomach pain or nausea.
- Tension Headaches: Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to headaches or even migraines in women.
- Fatigue: Anxiety can contribute to feelings of exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep or an entire day of rest.
Anxiety in Women: A Unique Experience
So why does anxiety look different in women?
The answer is not quite clear, but there are a few speculations:
- Hormonal Influences: Fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can influence anxiety levels.
- Social Expectations: Societal pressures to make good money, be perfect partners, and to adhere to traditional gender roles can contribute to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy in women.
- Sensitivity to Emotions: Women tend to process emotions differently due to biological and cultural factors. This sometimes means that women tend to hold on to emotions and feel them more deeply.
Since anxiety can be a unique experience for women, they want to ensure they receive proper help. Find a therapist who specializes in anxiety in women. In counseling sessions, mental health professionals can help with understanding women’s bodies and minds, and how their anxiety seems to affect them. If you’re ready for help, give us a call for more information!