Do you ever feel anxious before a dental visit or starting something new? Have you gotten the jitters or sweaty palms when thinking about the future?
These are common reactions when faced with something scary or unfamiliar, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is wrong. However, some people suffer from a more severe form of anxiety that causes more serious physical symptoms.
To better understand if your anxiousness could be a sign of an anxiety or panic disorder. Look at some of the symptoms:
- Heart is racing, and you can’t breathe correctly.
- Uncontrollable fears of things like crowded places, driving, or germs; complete avoidance of places or situations.
- The consistent inability to concentrate. This must be consistent behavior, and not just on those occasions when you lack sleep or are hungry.
- Nervous behaviors, such as walking around the same area repeatedly or twitching your fingers or toes repetitively.
- A feeling of doom or that something will happen to you, such as an accident, heart attack, or even death.
- Numbness in your hands, fingers, toes, and legs or feeling like you can’t stand.
- Trouble swallowing or unusual dry mouth episodes.
- Fear of people around you and the desire to be alone.
- The inability to leave your home.
- Normal activities becoming overwhelming.
The good news is these symptoms and conditions are no longer thought of as something people shouldn’t reveal or talk about, people are becoming more mindful on how anxiety affects our lives.
There’s help for you if you suffer from anxiety. Many mental health clinics and hospitals offer affordable help if you’re on a fixed income. Your health insurance may help you get treatment.
As scientists and the medical world become more informed about these disorders, more medications and other forms of relief are found to be effective in treating them. Relaxation techniques are very effective and can even be done at home or in the workplace.
Understanding your condition can help alleviate the stress and fear. Living life in fear of another panic attack will hold you hostage and prevent you from doing the things you love.
If you suffer from some of the symptoms above, seek help from a professional. Get the treatment that can put you back on the road to peace, health, and happiness.
