Dealing with Anxiety
Feeling anxious is something we all experience to some degree throughout our lives. However, when those anxious thoughts and feelings become chronic or severe, it can significantly impair our quality of life, especially when left untreated.
Anxiety disorders are considered the most common mental illness in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, "Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year."
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What is Anxiety?
Evolutionarily, anxiety is a natural emotion that we experience to help us make quick decisions in potentially dangerous situations. Anxiety once served most humans as a mechanism of survival. When we feel anxiety, our heart begins to race and our adrenaline levels increase. As a result, we become acutely aware of our surroundings.
At one point in time, this reaction kept us safe from danger and contributed to the foundation of social cooperation. However, anxiety as we know it today often serves to do more harm than good.
While sometimes a helpful emotion, anxiety can quickly take over our lives if it is allowed to go unmanaged.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an anxiety disorder goes beyond occasional anxious thoughts and worries. An anxiety disorder occurs when these stressful and worrisome feelings do not go away, and/or get worse over time.
Anxiety can become debilitating, making it difficult to function at work or school. Anxiety can also interfere with our relationships and ability to relax around friends and family.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety comes in different forms and degrees of severity. Some common types of anxiety disorders include:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic anxiety
Anxiety Symptoms
While some anxiety disorders may have similar signs and symptoms, not everyone will experience the exact same thing. Below are some of the most common symptoms seen in a variety of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Fatigue
Feeling restless
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Worried thoughts
Sleep disruption
Muscle tension
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms
Fear of germs
Intrusive thoughts
Fear of not having what you may need
Obsessing over superstitions
Obsessing over order and symmetry where everything must be in the right place
Double-checking things such as locks and the stove
Counting, repeating words
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Intrusive memories
Avoiding talking or thinking about the traumatic event
Feeling hopeless
Having a lack of interest in things that used to bring you joy
Emotional numbness
Losing connection in relationships and feeling disconnected from those in your life
Always being on guard
Irritability
Being easily startled
Difficulty concentrating
Having a hard time sleeping
Related: PTSD Treatment
Social Anxiety Symptoms
Having a very intense fear of talking to strangers
Fear of judgment
Avoiding situations where you think you could be embarrassed
Worrying that those around you may know that you are anxious
Fast heart rate
Sweating
Muscle tension
Digestive upset
Panic Anxiety Symptoms
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Shaking
Sweating
Feeling out of control
Having this overall feeling of impending doom
What Causes Anxiety?
While there is not one single cause of anxiety, those with anxiety disorders may be triggered by certain situations or being under stress.
Stress is a common cause of anxiety and is the product of the daily tasks and challenges we face. Whether it be from work, school, managing finances, or navigating relationships, stress is a normal part of our daily lives.
However, when stress is allowed to unchecked, it can manifest in an anxiety disorder that inhibits our ability to live happily. Traumatic events and stress from an illness or a side effect from a medication can also cause anxiety.
Working with a medical professional or a mental health practitioner can be helpful in determining what your anxiety triggers are to better manage symptoms.
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Browse our network of top therapist to find one that matches your needs.
2
Get private and secure emotional support weekly from your dedicated therapist.
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Experience comprehensive care with unlimited access to your care team and primary care physician.
How to Calm Anxiety
Untreated anxiety can interfere with day-to-day life, and can even increase the risk of digestive distress and heart disease.
Different therapeutic options like cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown to be beneficial for anxiety disorders, and those suffering from anxiety attacks should speak with their doctor about treatment options.
Generally a combination of therapy and medication is beneficial for calming anxiety.
Some lifestyle changes can also be helpful for those dealing with anxiety.
Things like regular exercise, and stress-reduction through the practice of mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation may also help calm anxiety. Making this a regular part of your daily life is key.
Limiting things like caffeine that may make you feel more on edge and avoiding cigarette smoking are both two important lifestyle factors that may play a role in calming anxiety.
Read: Therapy for Anxiety Disorder
Get Anxiety Treatment Online
If you are suffering from anxiety, you have many options for treatment. At PlushCare, we are proud to offer a variety of services that can get you the treatment you deserve.
Our online therapists will listen to your problems and guide you through the process of stress management and developing techniques to handle your anxiety.
Our virtual appointments make it convenient, reliable, and affordable for you to speak with a therapist from the comfort of your home. To book your first session, just click here.
Anxiety is often best treated with a combination of therapy and medication. In these instances, a therapist may recommend you meet with a doctor who can prescribe you the appropriate medication.
Our doctors at PlushCare are licensed and trained to set you up on the best treatment plan for your anxiety. Just click here to set up a virtual appointment with a PlushCare doctor today.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, "Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment."
There is no need to suffer silently. Seek professional help may be a difficult choice, but it is the right one.
Book your appointment today and take your life back from anxiety.
Read More About How To Deal With Anxiety
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Facts and Statistics. Accessed on December 17, 2020 at https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
Harvard Health Publishing. Anxiety and Physical Illness. Accessed December 17, 2020 at https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/anxiety
NCBI. Exercise for Anxiety Disorders: Systemic Review. Accessed December 17, 2020 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23299048
