Anxiety

Anxiety does not have to be extremely strong or debilitating for it to be distressing or to interfere in your life. Even mild anxiety can have an impact on your life, and it can be helped.

Anxiety is part of the spectrum of fear, may take many forms, and may also be an aspect of other psychological and emotional conditions or states of mind. In addition, it may appear like some medical conditions and/or drug (prescription and/or non-prescription) reactions.

• IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
  • To what extent and in what ways is the anxiety resulting from psychological and emotional factors?
  • Is there any medical condition that may be creating the symptoms of anxiety?
  • Is there an overlap between biology and psychology in the presence and symptoms of anxiety in this situation?

• FREQUENT SYMPTOMS (Not Complete – May Include Other Symptoms Not Noted)
  • Anxious/Nervous Mood
  • Restlessness, Feeling Keyed Up, On Edge, Or “Hyper”
  • Worry, Intrusive Thoughts
  • Physical Reactions Of Fear
    • Palpitations, Pounding Heart, Or Accelerated Heart Rate
    • Sweating
    • Trembling Or Shaking
    • Sensations Of Shortness Of Breath Or Smothering
    • Feeling Of Choking
    • Chest Pain Or Discomfort
    • Nausea Or Abdominal Distress
    • Feeling Dizzy, Unsteady, Lightheaded, Or Faint
    • Numbness Or Tingling Sensations
    • Chills Or Hot Flushes
    • Muscle Tensions
  • Feelings Of Unreality Or Of Being Detached From Yourself
  • Fear Of Losing Control Or “Going Crazy”
  • Fear Of Dying
  • Heightening Of Emotions And Reactivity
  • Flattening Or Numbing Of Emotions
  • Obsessive And/Or Compulsive Behaviors
  • Sleep Disruption
    • Insomnia
      • Difficulty Falling Asleep
      • Early Morning Awakening
      • Waking In The Middle Of The Night
    • Nightmares
  • Change In Eating (Without Intention)
    • Lowered Appetite
    • Emotional Eating
    • May Include Weight Loss Or Gain (Without Intending To)
  • Panic Attacks
  • Phobias
    • Fears That Are Excessive And Unreasonable
  • Difficulty Concentrating, Remembering, Or Making Decisions
  • Poor Judgment
  • Restlessness, Irritability, Overly Or Easily Critical
  • Loss Of Interest Or Pleasure In Activities Or Hobbies That Were Once Enjoyed, Including Sex
  • Presence Of Physical Symptoms That Do Not Respond To Treatment, Such As Headaches Or Digestive Disorders
  • May Accompany Some Kind Of Substance Abuse Or Addictive Behavior
  • May Involve Disruption In Relationships With Family, Friends, Or Co-Workers
  • May Also Be Present Along With Depression

When All Your Best Efforts Haven’t Worked
Maybe It’s Time to Talk to a Professional

Why Wait To Feel Better?