I think there is a difference/divide among what people think the term/phrase "I have anxiety" means.
For example, according to my psychiatrist, I am ACROPHOBIC lol which basically just means I am scared of heights.
I get vertigo, start breathing heavily, sweating and just freaking out in general. It's totally irrational and have been that way since I was little.
Now, this gives ME anxiety of course, but anxiety is ITSELF is just a normal reaction to stress. I don't like being high up/looking down, I am scared of falling.. my body reacts to that stress more dramatically then people who aren't scared.
So it's not an anxiety disorder.. it's just.. how my body gets anxious when I get stressed over heights.
"The term anxiety covers four aspects of experiences an individual may have: mental apprehension, physical tension, physical symptoms and dissociative anxiety
Anxiety disorder is divided into generalized anxiety disorder, phobic disorder, and panic disorder; each has its own characteristics and symptoms and they require different treatment"
"Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life.
An anxiety disorder is a serious mental illness. For people with anxiety disorders, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be crippling."
I think that basically covers it
People with anxiety disorders have CONSTANT and OVERWHELMING feelings that affect their day to day lives.
not just general sometimes I get anxious sometimes kind of feelings.
Feel free to correct me, I have no idea.. I just figured it would be useful if I found a definition and just grabbed a few online.