What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects approximately one in five Americans. The severity of anxiety and an individual’s ability to cope differentiate everyday worry from an anxiety disorder. Excessive, chronic anxiety can have a toll not only on our psychological well being but our physical health as well. Anxiety triggers the release of cortisol from the brain, which over time, can raise blood pressure, cause heart problems, and increase the risk of stroke. Anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Phobia-related Disorders. Symptoms can differ depending on the specific diagnosis.
Anxiety FAQs
What Are Some Symptoms of Anxiety?
- Difficulty Controlling Worry
- Irritability
- Feeling Restless
- Feeling of Impending Doom
- Fear of Missing Out
- Fear of Being Out of Control
What Are Some Causes of Anxiety?
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Disrupted Sleep
- Muscle Tension
- Increased Heart Rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or Shaking
- Shortness of Breath
How Do I Know if My Anxiety Is Normal, or if I Need Treatment?
The best indicator is your functioning. If you’re struggling at work or in class because you can’t concentrate or haven’t been getting enough sleep due to anxiety, that’s a good sign that you might need help managing your symptoms.
Do I Have To Take Medication to Treat My Anxiety?
It depends. Everyone is different, so it’s really dependent on your specific circumstances. Often times, folks who struggle with anxiety report a decrease in symptoms after a couple of months in therapy. For those folks with panic disorder or certain phobia-related disorders, they might need medication to help reduce the level of anxiety in tandem with therapy. It would be important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional for guidance around your specific circumstances.
