Anxiety

Anxiety: You probably know it as that uncomfortable, nervous feeling. After all, it’s normal for everyone to experience anxiety from time to time. But when it gets severe or chronic, it’s time to take action. If you have intense or persistent anxiety that affects the way you live your life, you might be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You should know that this is an extremely common mental health condition, and while it can feel overwhelming, there are ways to feel better.

What’s an Anxiety Disorder?

Not every episode of anxiety is a sign of an anxiety disorder. With an anxiety disorder, your worry or panic arises during everyday situations when the actual threat of danger is low. These episodes are difficult to control and might even result in panic attacks, which can be extremely frightening. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you might avoid certain places, people, or things that trigger your negative feelings, preventing you from getting out and living your life to the fullest.

Symptoms

Because everybody experiences anxiety differently, you might experience a wide variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms might include a restless or tense feeling, shaking, trembling, sweating, and feeling an impending sense of doom. An increased heart rate and rapid breathing are also common symptoms. These feelings can even start to have a marked physical effect. For example, some people experience difficulty sleeping or suffer from gastrointestinal problems when they get too anxious. Pay attention to how your body feels during your anxious episodes so you can speak to your doctor about it.

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Not all anxiety disorders are the same. Your anxiety might be triggered by something completely different than someone else. However, there are some types of anxiety that are more common than others. For example, many people experience social anxiety, meaning they feel nervous, tense, or restless in certain social situations. Others might have agoraphobia, or feel uncomfortable when they leave their house. And it’s not uncommon for children to experience separation anxiety, or the feeling of panic when you’re separated from a particular person or object. If your anxiety seems to creep up regardless of the situation, it’s likely that you could be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.

Treatment Options

When it comes to anxiety, there are almost as many treatment options as there are reasons for being anxious. Psychotherapy is a very common treatment A lot of people find relief from yoga, meditation, or other mindfulness practices. Others might want to reduce their caffeine or alcohol intake and find other ways to keep themselves as healthy as possible. And for some, medication is a viable option. You should speak with your Dartmouth, Massachusetts, doctor for more information about the right course of treatment for you.

When to See a Doctor

If you feel like your anxiety is negatively affecting your life, if you have problems sleeping, or you are experiencing other health problems related to your anxiety, it’s time to see your doctor.

At Prime Medical Associates in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, our mental health counselors can help you address the root causes of your anxiety so you can regain your life back and finally feel at ease again. Give us a call or visit our website.