It’s a common occurrence: you awaken with a start, your heart beating and your brow moist. However, this is not for any specific cause; the day ahead bears no special hazard. It’s what’s referred to as morning anxiety, an unpleasant feeling that you’ve somehow come to accept despite its detrimental repercussions. Although morning anxiety is not a recognized word in mental health, it is often used by anxiety patients.
While there are no official statistics on morning anxiety (since it is not a medically recognized ailment), recent research indicated that anxiety has tripled in the US over the last decade, especially among adult women in younger age groups. 30% of women aged 18-24 and 22% of women aged 25-34 are affected by the disorder.
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Is your morning worry a symptom of medically recognized anxiety (also known as ‘generalized anxiety disorder’/GAD) or just a transitory, unpleasant sensation? It’s less concerning if it’s associated with a significant or unique event, such as an interview, presentation, or date, and may also include some enthusiasm, which may feel quite similar to anxiety.
Generally, generalized anxiety disorder has a detrimental effect on an individual’s well-being and functioning. Individuals often report having a large number of perceived issues. They may even develop qualities that pose a danger to themselves over time. GAD is often identified when symptoms have persisted for six months or more. In contrast, morning anxiety may be a more temporary symptom that does not qualify as GAD.
What, therefore, produces the less ‘permanent’ kind of morning worry? The one seldom associated with GAD? A couple of common triggers can be hormone imbalances or seasonal variables. For women, they may also experience an increase in anxiety a week or two before their period comes. Anxiety may be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder experience increased sensations of worry and discomfort as well.
You might also want to look at your calendar if you feel like you’re having such symptoms. Busy times such as the holiday season can bring a slew of potential triggers for morning anxiety, such as ‘hanxiety,’ another non-medically recognized (but widely reported) condition characterized by feelings of anxiety following an alcohol-fueled night out.
