Does having anxiety mean your crazy/mental?

No, it's actually one of the most common mental illnesses. And, really, most diagnosable mental illnesses do not present in a that other people might connect with the stereotypical image of a "crazy" person. Further, I don't think ANY mental disorder makes you "crazy" because it's a derogatory term used to belittle and silence the voices of those who experience reality in a different, and more difficult, way. It is really hard to have a mental illness, but it doesn't make you less human or less worthy than anyone else, and it doesn't make your thoughts or feelings invalid.

No. Being "crazy" or "mental" (formally known as psychosis) includes losing contact with reality. Psychoses present themselves with hallucinations and delusions. Anxiety is a normal response to some life events, for example, an exam. However, when this anxiety prevents the person to carry on with their life, it becomes disruptive and may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder (which is not a psychosis). Note, however, that some anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, may be confused with a psychosis, even when they're not so.

Not at all! I don't think anyone is "crazy". Everyone just has different normals and that is okay. Not only is that okay but it is great :)

One of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorder is the belief that you’re going crazy. You have the sense that you are losing your grip on reality and that you are literally on the verge of a mental breakdown. Anxiety disorder can cause a deep seated fear that sooner or later you’re simply going to go mad. However, despite this overwhelming fear of possible insanity, the fact that you fear it, and are aware of insanity as a state of being, is precisely why you’re not crazy. Having a lack of insight is just another way of saying that you don’t know that you are behaving or acting strangely. As an anxiety sufferer you spend a lot of time thinking you’re crazy or on the verge of crazy but if this were true than you wouldn’t know it. You simply would not be aware of the fact that your thoughts and behavior were strange or “crazy.” When you have anxiety you are certainly filled with dread and worry. You experience psychosomatic sensations that make you feel terrible and make you think that you might die soon. It’s pretty scary sometimes. But the bottom line is that your level of mental fitness is not the same as someone that is psychotic or crazy – it’s much better. You’re an excessive worrier racked with tremendous amounts of stress, but you are not crazy by any stretch of the imagination.

No, anxiety is perfectly normal. Many people experience anxiety. Some just have more anxiety than others.

Of course not. :) While it can sometimes feel that way, having anxiety does not make a person crazy or mental. Anxiety is a very typical reaction to things we perceive as a threat or danger. It activates the flight or fight response within us, and sometimes we just get stuck with all those anxious thoughts and feelings. When we can begin to change our perceptions to things we know won't actually cause us harm, we can change our feelings of anxiety. It is important to remember that anxiety serves a very important purpose! There is nothing wrong with us for feeling it. Sometimes it no longer serves its purpose and we are able to let go of some of those feelings to better care for ourselves. :)

Absolutely and categorically not! Having anxiety does not mean you are crazy/mental (whatever those terms mean!). Having anxiety or an anxiety disorder is a condition that once recognized can be treated very successfully and the person suffering from the anxiety by it social anxiety or otherwise can learn to cope and eventually heal from the disorder. It is not and does mean you are crazy it is simply a condition of heightened anxiety that can be brought in by a traumatic experience or indeed being a sensitive person. There are many way in which it can manifest itself and many ways one can begin to suffer from anxiety but there are amazing resources for recovery.

having anxiety does not mean your crazy or mental just means your body has a different way of reacting to situations then others do

No, anxiety or any mental illness or any illness at all doesn't mean that you're crazy. It just means that you deal with something differently, or unhealthy. But it can be helped if you talk to a counsellor about it. If its very bad you can get medication for it to help you. If you go to a counsellor, they will give you some ways to help and cope with anxiety. Good luck :)

No, Having anxiety does not mean that you're crazy or mental, It means that you're having problem to cope with some things.

No. The fact that you fear it, and are aware of insanity as a state of being, is precisely why you’re not crazy. People who are classified as "legally insane" generally means that they are unable to comprehend what is "right" and what is "wrong". They lack any understanding of what it means to do horrible things. Going by this, someone with anxiety disorder would not be considered "crazy". You have enough awareness to be able to understand these sort of things and follow social norms. You’re an excessive worrier racked with tremendous amounts of stress, but you are not crazy by any stretch of the imagination.

No, Anxiety is just like any other mental illness, and just as valid. You are not crazy nor mental, it's just a different way of coping with situations. Many people have anxiety.

Anxiety does not mean your crazy or mental, anxiety is not your fault, understanding why you are feeling like this and understanding you can get through this, is possible!

Anxiety is normally a natural response to stress. Not to be confused with anxiety disorders, where anxiety is frequent and it interferes with daily life. Technically, it is a mental disorder but it doesn't mean a person with an anxiety disorder is 'crazy'. The word 'crazy' is normally associated with the word 'psycho'. You may be referring to psychopathy. Psychopathy is a personality disorder which is also a type of mental disorder. Anxiety disorders can be quite easily distinguished from personality disorders when you look at the symptoms.

No. There are a variety of anxiety related conditions and they are disorders, not mental illnesses. There is some disagreement over whether anxiety disorders can be cured or just managed. Perhaps some individuals can be "cured", but for most it will be a matter of learning to manage the disorder -- although it can be managed very effectively and one can lead a full and rewarding life with an anxiety disorder.

No anxiety is a very common and very manageable illness. Majority of those with anxiety look and act like ordinary people. Those with extreme cases of anxiety can be unstable, but anxious people are rarely dangerous or risky.

Anxiety is a mental illness. Having a mental illness doesn't mean you're crazy. Don't let the mental health stigma or your mental illness define you because it does NOT define who you are.

No! It doesn't mean that at all. Anxiety is a mental disorder, it doesn't mean you are crazy or mental.

I think it means you're at a constant and ongoing battle with your mind, which can make it seem like you're a little crazy but even questioning it shows you are aware of your own thoughts. As long as you're aware of your own thoughts I don't think you can be defined as crazy.

I wouldn't say it makes you crazy at all; in fact, it's probably a little unhealthy to think about anxiety that way. Anxiety can actually be a healthy thing to experience at certain times -- it's when it gets to be overwhelming, or when we experience anxiety at unexpected or unreasonable times, that it becomes an issue. If you're experiencing anxiety a lot of the time (even when it's not expected, as in a stressful environment) then it may benefit you to seek some help -- be it from a professional, a friend, a book, or even someone here on 7Cups. In short, it's not a "crazy" or even a bad thing to have anxiety -- it's a really common experience! But that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do something to alleviate it. Talking and learning about anxiety is a great first step!

No, it means you have a (unfortunately very common) health problem that can get better real quick with the right help.

Of course not. Anxiety is just another emotion like happiness and sadness. Everyone tend to become anxious at some point or the other. The important point is to understand yourself, acknowledge your feelings and thinking of possible solutions as to make the situation under control.

Having anxiety means that sometimes things are more overwhelming than they might be to others without it. It also has its physical symptoms. Anxiety doesn't always need a cause or trigger either; sometimes it hits you when you least expect it. But, having anxiety does not make you crazy, or 'mental'. It's a challenge, just like any other, and is something that many people deal with, even if it's not always visible.

No, it doesn't mean you're crazy. If you are crazy, you'll not say that you're crazy. Don't worry about it

Not at all! It just means that you are getting overloaded with stress and it is difficult to bear. You are completely sane even if you are having problems with anxiety and feel that you are losing control of yourself.

No not at all, most people go through a state of anxiety whether it's very strong or it's minimal it's just something that people can go through from time to time or frequently

No. The stigma about mental health is that people easily assume that anyone with mental health issues are labelled to be "crazy" which the society consider to be some sort of outcast. The truth is, it is not. Most psychological problems are actually common for a lot of individuals. Anxiety for example could be experienced by anyone. Yes, it is a mental health issue but it doesn't mean you are loosing your mind.

First of all, "mental" is a word that is only used in literal contexts. I know people who would call a kid mental if he dreamed about being a pilot or something. Obviously there's nothing wrong with him! On the contrary, having anxiety may mean a lot of things. It might mean that you are going through a really hard time. It may mean that a lot is going through your mind, and you can not control the chain of thoughts. It might even mean that you are just anxious about some important event that you are waiting for. Or you might be waiting for something to end. Having anxiety may mean a lot of things. But by no perspectives, it can be seen as being crazy or mental. Have a good day!

no it doesn’t. having anxiety means your brain functions different. you’re not mental. you just handle everyday situations different from other people and that’s totally okay.

A very common thing with anxiety is actually the belief that you're going crazy. Anxiety is very common to the point where I would consider it very normal. Typically mental illness doesn't consider you crazy.