We all get angry and sad, but how intense and how often? Does it impair or significantly change your ability to function?" asks Alvord.
Feeling overcome with anger or sadness on a regular basis could indicate an underlying issue, but there's another intensity to be on the lookout for: catastrophizing. When an unforeseen challenge appears, do you immediately assume the worst case scenario will take place? This intense form of anxiety, in which every worry is super-sized and treated as a realistic outcome, can be truly debilitating.
"It can be paralyzing, lead to panic attacks and even cause you to avoid things," says Alvord. "If your life gets more constricted because you're avoiding a lot, it is probably time to see someone.