When is Anxiety a Problem?

We all worry from time to time.  In moderation, it can be protective - if I worry about being prepared I am more likely to take the right supplies to work or school, and to practice before any presentation. 

Sometimes worry, or anxiety, can be disruptive or even debilitating.  If worry keeps you from doing what you want to do, affects your physical health, causes you to mismanage your emotions, or interferes with your relationships, it is a problem, and help is available.

Anxiety can be limited to one topic, like a fear of water or a fear of heights. 

Or, people sometimes feel overly anxious about a wide variety of topics (work, bills, family, etc), and have trouble controlling the worry.  It makes them feel antsy or irritable inside, and makes it hard to think clearly.

Some people get so anxious in social situations that they avoid them, or have to make themselves interact with others.  They worry a lot about what other people think about them.  Some have trouble going out in public at all.  They may feel trapped when in a public situation. 

Anxiety can generate physical symptoms that might even make someone feel like they are having a heart attack or "going crazy."  Their heart might pound, and they might sweat, shake, feel dizzy or nauseous, and have chest pain or tingling in their body. 

Some people try to relieve their anxious thoughts and feelings by engaging in compulsive behavior, like excessive hand washing or cleaning, hair-pulling, or skin-picking.  They may recognize that their behavior is too much, but they just can't seem to stop.

Sometimes the anxiety is triggered by a specific event.  This could be a trauma, or a life change like a move, a divorce, starting a new job or school, etc. 

If your anxiety is a problem, there is effective help.  Call me, and together we will find a way to break free from anxiety.