How do I know if its test anxiety or regular anxiety?

Ever since I started this term at college, I;ve been...different. It first started the day I had a hard test. I would have an increased heart rate, weak knees, shaking, tension in my muscles (especially around sternal area), serious light headedness, and uneven breathing. I figured it was test anxiety, so I didnt really worry about it. I talked to some of my teachers and they let me take the test in the library, but it didnt help.

Then, I began feeling like this a lot. I have a constant tension in my chest and shoulders, and negative thoughts, and im always either shaking or breathing unevenly (no, im not on drugs). My social life has taken a spiral downward because I%26#039;m always so worried about what they think of me and all this stuff that never even crossed my mind before.

I dont know whats wrong with me...help!

How do I know if its test anxiety or regular anxiety?

Sounds like social anxiety! My fiance has it and I know much about it. All of the physical symptoms u named are part of it. If you have constant fear of being rejected, or worried what others gonna say or think about u or ur doings, it could mean that u started having Social anxiety. Well, it%26#039;s curable but it takes a lot of patience and effort to change yourself. Therapy would be the best and any kind of medications I would suggest ONLY after talking to the doctor....as taking on your own could make you feel even worse.

You could google Social Anxiety and check to see if it maches with what u are going through.

Something must have triggered it in your case.....maybe the reason is hidden even from you in your mind, but maybe you already know it....Think about it.

I can give you this site to look for support groups, forum and more details on SA. It is very common although many sufferers suffer in scilence so it%26#039;s not very known to the public....but really MANY people have it!

So don%26#039;t worry, what ever it is, it has to have a cure and you are not the only one who feels it :)

www.socialanxietysupport.com

And if you need someone to talk to feel free to write me an email: girl_lina06@yahoo.com

Good luck!!!! :)))

How do I know if its test anxiety or regular anxiety?

Since it is happening even when you not taking tests or thinking about takings tests I would think it is more likely general anxiety. Can you think of anything that would have caused it to be set off all of a sudden like this? Is this your first year of college? Have you started any new medications? Go talk to your doctor and he/she will be able to help you out. Since it%26#039;s affecting your daily life you need to find a solution. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you an antianxiety medication, and if not he/she can refer you to a psychiatrist who can help you talk through your problems and prescribe you medication. I know it%26#039;s tough, but once you get help from a professional it will get easier. Good luck!

How do I know if its test anxiety or regular anxiety?

It sounds like you may be having difficulty adjusting to college life. There should be a counseling center on campus. It might benefit you to use it.

Test anxiety only occurs before a test. If you anxiety occurs all the time it is called general anxiety.