What is anxiety?
While general anxiety from time to time is a normal emotion, persistent feelings of fear and nervousness around everyday happenings may indicate an anxiety disorder.
If you have an anxiety disorder, the fear that you feel is valid but typically disproportionate to the nature of whatever you’re anticipating. This doesn’t change the fact that intense anxious feelings and other symptoms of anxiety disorders can affect your relationships, work productivity, and your ability to enjoy life. Thankfully, anxiety and anxiety disorders are manageable with the right treatment strategy.
What symptoms might I experience with anxiety?
Anxiety often comes with unexpected symptoms beyond general worry or dread. In fact, many patients are surprised to find that anxiety symptoms can take over their entire body, not just their minds.
If you have an anxiety disorder, you might often experience:
- Irritability
- Jumpiness
- Upset stomach
- Muscle tenseness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Physical pain
- Frequent urination
- Tremors or twitches
- Sweating
- Hyperventilation
These symptoms are exacerbated during periodic instances called panic attacks. A panic attack can appear at any time, seemingly without warning, and make you feel terrified and helpless. Some people even mistake the symptoms of a panic attack for symptoms of a heart attack. Your heart beats rapidly, and you might feel pain in your chest.
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
You should book an appointment to discuss your anxiety if your feelings of anxiousness are starting to affect your work or relationships. Anxiety often appears alongside other physical and mental health concerns, including:
- Depression
- Recreational drug use
- Binge drinking
- Chronic pain
- Heart disease
If you know that your anxiety stems from a physical condition, or if you have other symptoms surrounding your mental health, you should come in to talk about your anxiety.
How is anxiety treated?
At Wellness Road Psychology we take a multifaceted approach to treating your anxiety and helping you regain control of your psyche. After a laid-back conversation with your therapist about your symptoms and health history, they create a treatment plan for you that might include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Limiting or ceasing your smoking or drinking
Making some changes to your lifestyle may also help with treating your anxiety. Eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and prioritizing sleep can all help you feel rejuvenated alongside your clinical treatment plan.
If you find yourself dreading everyday events or experiencing a fear that you can’t name, call Wellness Road Psychology or book your anxiety consultation online today.
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