Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious now and then. It’s a normal emotion. Many people feel nervous when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision.

Anxiety disorders are different, though. They can cause such distress that it interferes with your ability to lead a normal life. Worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be disabling.

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, but anxiety disorders are not the result of personal weakness, a character flaw, or poor upbringing. As scientists continue their research, it is becoming clear that anxiety is caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain, genetics and environmental stress.

Panic symptoms include:

• Sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear.
• Feelings of being out of control during a panic attack.
• Intense worries about when the next attack will happen.
• Fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past.

Social anxiety symptoms include:

• Feeling highly anxious about being with other people and having a hard time talking to them.
• Feeling very self-conscious in front of other people and worried about feeling humiliated, embarrassed, or rejected, or fearful of offending others.
• Being very afraid that other people will judge them.
• Worrying for days or weeks before an event where other people will be.
• Staying away from places where there are other people.
• Having a hard time making friends and keeping friends

 Other symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Problems sleeping
• Cold or sweaty hands or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Not being able to be still and calm
• Dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Nausea
• Muscle tension
• Dizziness

Many people with strong anxieties often feel that these symptoms can never go away. The good news is that with treatment, people can manage those feelings and get back to a fulfilling life.

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can help people with anxiety disorders. Therapy is directed at the person’s specific anxieties and tailored to his or her needs.

I treat many people who learn how to manage and overcome symptoms that have made their lives very painful and difficult.