Introduction
Suffering from mental disorders like anxiety can possibly affect your perspective in certain situations. Anxiety can bring feelings of fear, doubt, dread, and others. With all of these emotions happening, it can be difficult to handle and may rise as a stressful situation. Unfortunately, this situation is common due to lack of knowledge in recognizing anxiety symptoms, coping strategies, and proper treatment.
Whether or not you suspect your mental health is leaning to anxiety, it’s best to be aware of crucial information for proper management. In this guide, we’ll be discussing the common anxiety symptoms to watch out for and how to address them through proper guidance from a psychiatrist and psychologist. Let’s begin!
Definition of Terms
Anxiety disorder is a general term for a mental health condition that often involves different feelings occurring at the same time. Most of these emotions are difficult to control, which can affect your daily functioning. This disorder involves different types of mental illnesses, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and phobia.
Types of Anxiety Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – People with GAD experience excessive worry about various aspects of life, including health, work, and relationships.
- Panic Disorder – This involves unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense fear, palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Also known as social phobia, this disorder involves extreme self-consciousness and fear of social situations.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder – Common in children but also affecting adults, this condition involves excessive fear of being apart from loved ones.
- Specific Phobias – An intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, enclosed spaces, or flying.
Read related article to know more about types of anxiety
Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways. There are physical signs that can be visible when any of the anxiety disorders occur. At the same time, emotional symptoms of anxiety disorders can take place, which commonly involve overwhelming and drowning feelings. Lastly, when people experience anxiety, they can also appear through behavioral symptoms.
If any of these types of symptoms are in line with what you experience on a daily basis, it is possible that you are suffering from anxiety attacks. Check them out below!
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can often mimic other medical conditions when it comes to its physical symptoms.
Common physical signs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating and trembling
- Muscle tension
- Headaches and fatigue
- Nausea or digestive issues
Emotional and Cognitive Anxiety Symptoms
- Excessive worry or overthinking
- Intense fear or panic attacks
- Irritability and restlessness
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intrusive thoughts or irrational fears
Behavioral Symptoms of Anxiety
- Avoiding social situations (social anxiety)
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Procrastination or avoidance of responsibilities
- Compulsive behaviors
If you experience these symptoms regularly and they impact your daily life, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder.
Read another article related to anxiety symptoms
What to do when having an anxiety attack?
While knowing the symptoms can help you read the situation and prepare for the anxiety attack, it is still important to be knowledgeable on first aid for anxiety attacks. For instance, it is best to do the following:
- Practice breathing – This practice allows you to avoid panic and hyperventilation, which is possible when you have an anxiety attack.
- Ground yourself – By focusing on certain factors such as an object in your environment, it can help you ease your mind away from the trigger of your anxiety. You can also utilize your senses for grounding like listening to music or touching objects with texture.
Other Management Techniques: Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help Strategies
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity helps reduce stress hormones and release endorphins.
- Healthy Diet: Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety symptoms.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can significantly reduce stress.
- Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep worsens anxiety. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest.
- Limiting Screen Time: Excessive social media use can increase stress and anxiety levels.
- Identify Negative Thoughts: Challenge irrational fears and replace them with realistic perspectives.
- Gradual Exposure: If social anxiety is an issue, gradually expose yourself to social situations.
- Journaling: Writing about your worries helps process emotions and identify triggers.
These tricks are some of the effective ways in dealing with sudden anxiety attacks. Despite its effectiveness, it is still ideal to have proper guidance when dealing with episodes of anxiety. Book a session with a mental health doctor immediately to know the best options for you.
Common Professional Treatment Options for Symptoms of Anxiety
Therapy and Counseling
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most effective treatments, CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Psychotherapy: A talk therapy that offers safe space for addressing thoughts, behaviors, and more
- Exposure Therapy: Helps individuals confront and manage fears in a controlled environment.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others experiencing similar challenges can provide emotional support.
Anxiety Medication in the Philippines
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Commonly prescribed for long-term anxiety management.
- Benzodiazepines: Used for short-term relief of acute anxiety, but they can be habit-forming.
- Beta-Blockers: Help manage physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and trembling.
Consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist is essential for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Find out the suitable medication and counseling options for your case. Book a session with a mental health doctor on NowServing!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a psychiatrist or psychologist for anxiety?
If your anxiety affects your daily life, relationships, or work, it’s time to seek professional help. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, while a psychologist provides therapy and coping strategies.
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is a response to an external trigger, while anxiety is a persistent, excessive fear that may not have a clear cause.
Can anxiety be cured?
While anxiety disorders are manageable, they may not be entirely curable. However, therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication can significantly reduce symptoms.
Is there medication for anxiety attacks?
Not always. Many people manage anxiety with therapy and lifestyle changes alone. However, severe cases may require medication for relief.
Conclusion
Recognizing anxiety symptoms is the first step toward effective management. Whether through self-help strategies, therapy, or medication, finding the right approach can improve your quality of life. If anxiety is interfering with your daily activities, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Book an online consultation today or download the NowServing app to connect with mental health professionals.
