Anxiety: 5 Signs That It’s a Problem for You
Anxiety is a normal response to many of life’s stressors. But if it keeps you from fully participating in life, you may have a disorder that needs treatment. Find out how to tell.
We all feel fear, worry and stress at times. And sometimes those feelings overwhelm us. So if that is a common human experience, how do you know whether your anxiety is “normal,” or whether you may have an anxiety disorder?
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Clinical psychologist Joseph Rock, PsyD, says it all depends upon the frequency and extent of your anxiety.
Most people feel fear or even brief panic when confronted with a threat: When someone swerves their car into your lane or you turn around in a store and your toddler is out of sight, for instance.
In those situations, you may notice you have a physical response, like a racing heart, sudden perspiration or a knot in your stomach.
Anxiety is similar, but it comes from a perceived threat rather than an immediate threat, Dr. Rock says. The symptoms for anxiety vary from person to person and with the cause of the stress.
Dr. Rock breaks anxiety down into common anxiety disorders, with varying symptoms, including:
There are a few factors that separate typical anxiety from a more serious issue you might seek treatment for, Dr. Rock says. Factors to consider include:
“You really have to think about how much it affects your functioning,” Dr. Rock says. “You can avoid some triggers: If you’re afraid of lions, don’t go to the zoo. But if you are afraid of people, that’s more of a problem.”
If you decide to seek treatment, you may start with your primary care provider, Dr. Rock says. Most doctors can help you get a good idea of how severe your anxiety is. They then may recommend medication, therapy or both.
Two types of medication may help control your symptoms:
Your doctor also may refer you to a psychiatrist who can help manage your medication.
Working with a psychologist can help you learn how to prevent anxiety in the first place. He or she is likely to use cognitive behavioral therapy to help you better understand your anxious moments and learn coping strategies.
You can often learn to manage anxiety with fewer than a dozen sessions. And combining medication and therapy is often highly effective at reducing anxiety, Dr. Rock says.
If your anxiety is having a detrimental effect on your life, talk with your doctor about your specific needs. Awareness and management are important, Dr. Rock says.
“You may not need medication or therapy for life,” he says. “But addressing the issue is important, because some anxiety can get worse over time if not treated.”