Symptoms of Anxiety

Symptoms of Anxiety

Everyone feels the symptoms of anxiety on occasion. While the path of life is rarely smooth, occasionally life’s speed bumps lead us to feel anxious and worried. While feelings of apprehension are normal and healthy, there is a fine line that separates apprehension from an actual anxiety disorder, which often times requires anxiety therapy.

The physical symptoms of anxiety have been a natural part of the human behavioral pattern since the times of cavemen. Our earliest ancestors relied on their fight or flight reactions to keep them safe from rival tribes, saber-toothed tigers, and other threats. Physical symptoms include a raised heartbeat, sweating, and muscle tension.

Today we don’t have saber-toothed tigers chasing after us, but we do have children, bill collectors, job loses and supervisors to deal with. As much as we might like to, it’s inappropriate to run away or fight someone asking us to pay a bill or explain a project at work. In these cases, our heart rates will continue to rise, brining blood pressure with it, our palms won’t stop sweating, and the threat won’t go away. As a matter of fact, these physical symptoms will only cause further damage to our hearts and kidneys.

Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can have a huge impact not only on your physical body but on your mental wellbeing as well. The mental symptoms of anxiety include an inability to stop dwelling on the cause, feeling emotionally numb, and wanting to withdraw from the world. In some cases symptoms may even include a dependence on drugs, alcohol, or the formation of some other type of addiction. Remember, addictions are not always chemical; they may include promiscuous sexual encounters or even a desire to play video games. Some people cope with their anxiety by focusing on superstitions or creating rituals.

So, When Does Anxiety Become a Problem?

Anyone exhibiting symptoms of anxiety that are severe enough to interact with their everyday lives should seek the help of a professional. Having a restless night because you’re worried about an upcoming review or interview is one thing. Sleeping for days because you’re depressed or upset for an unidentifiable reason is a sign that you may have a real problem.

Your doctor may ask you to undergo a series of personality tests in order to help him identify the cause and nature of your disorder. Once he has an answer he’ll work with you to find a treatment which may include therapy, medication, or both. The three main types of medication used to treat anxiety include antidepressants, SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and beta blockers. Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and relaxation therapy are standard treatments as well.

Your physician will work with you to find the perfect combination of therapy and medication for your individual case. It is normal to try several different methods before finding one that is right for your own situation, so don’t be anxious if you need to change up your routine once or twice before settling on the right treatment.

However it is well agreed that if still possible better to seek non-medicinal way to cure anxiety than treat it with drug. If you are looking for anxiety cure, you need to know that despite the effectiveness of modern medication, they are known to have their side-effects. Self-help healing is the best way you may want to take because of its simplicity and relatively not expensive.