How Are Situational and Generalized Anxiety Different?

Situational, Not Pathological

In the mental health field, we tend to pathologize and diagnose even commonly encountered challenges. Through the lens of human experience, however, we can recognize that some emotional and mental states, such as anxiety, stress, sadness, and anger, are not only shared by all of us but also not necessarily pathological. Enter situational anxiety.

Different than generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or specific phobia, this is the type of anxiety that ties directly to a situation(s) in our lives. These situations can run the gamut from experiences like career changes to buying a home to becoming a parent to undergoing a change in physical health status. Although anxiety experienced in these types of scenarios may not qualify for an anxiety disorder diagnosis, it is no less uncomfortable or challenging.

Situational Anxiety vs. Generalized Anxiety

The main differences between situational anxiety and generalized anxiety are duration and intensity, as well as root causes. Generalized anxiety is just that: generalized to an individual’s daily life without a specific identifiable cause or trigger. Situational anxiety, on the contrary, is rooted in a specific and identifiable cause and is typically less acute than generalized anxiety, though it is still disruptive and uncomfortable. The following two client examples illustrate the difference in how these two distinct types of anxiety present themselves:

Client A: Reports persistent feelings of worry and panic but is unable to identify what they are in relation to or what causes them. She reports that feelings of anxiety are present for most of the day and disrupt her ability to carry out daily tasks and obligations.

Client B: Reports that he has recently started a new job and taken on new responsibilities. Though it was something that he had desired, he reports that it has caused additional stress and feelings of anxiety regarding his ability to deliver on his new responsibilities. Though the anxious feelings are uncomfortable, Client B reports that he feels he is still able to carry out his daily tasks.

Notice that Client B is readily able to identify the source of his anxiety, whereas Client A reports a much more ambiguous anxious presentation. Furthermore, Client B reports that his anxiety poses more of a nuisance than something that prevents him from daily functioning. It is likely that Client A may be a candidate for a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, whereas Client B does not necessarily fit those diagnostic criteria. This difference will influence the type of intervention that is helpful for each client.

Treatment Differences

When treating a chronic, persistent disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, a medication intervention is often helpful. Though not the right fit for all clients, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can be helpful for treating generalized anxiety. These medications, however, may not be appropriate for situational anxiety, as this type of anxiety is often not present for the long term and dissipates as an individual adapts to a challenging situation or as the situation becomes more stable. In both cases, psychotherapy can be helpful as a supportive force wherein a collaborative approach can help individuals learn to navigate anxiety and cope with difficult situations.

Why Paying Attention to Your Circumstances Is Important

It is important to understand your unique life circumstances so that you can be aware of what is happening around you and in your life, job, family, and environment that might be contributing to feelings of anxiety, worry, and stress. When we are attentive to and aware of all that is happening in our lives (and it’s typically a lot), we are better able to report our symptoms, draw connections between symptoms and circumstances, and identify healthy ways to cope.

The next time you are anxious, ask yourself, “What is happening in my life?” Pay attention to changes, transitions, challenges, dilemmas, and uncertainties, as these all influence how anxiety presents itself. When you recognize and acknowledge the complexities of your life, you find yourself more equipped to seek adaptive methods of coping with situations.