What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to danger, but when it gets out of control and interferes with your life, it’s time to seek help.

Symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person, but they all involve excessive fear or worry that interferes with everyday life. For example, someone with social anxiety might get nervous before going out with friends. Those with generalized anxiety disorder may experience panic attacks. And those with phobias might be afraid of specific things, such as spiders or heights.

Some believe that a person’s genetics and environment play a role in their vulnerability to anxiety disorders. For example, women tend to be more likely to develop them than men. And those who have a history of traumatic experiences, such as the death of a loved one, are more at risk for developing them.

A person with an anxiety disorder is also more likely to have a family history of the condition. They might be more prone to developing it because their parents or grandparents had it, or they might have a close relationship with people who have it.

There are many things you can do to manage your symptoms of anxiety, including medication and psychotherapy. But the most important thing is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your symptoms and treatment options.

Medication can treat the symptoms of anxiety, but they won’t cure the root cause of the problem. That means you will need to make some changes to your daily routine and lifestyle.

Self-help, therapy and other non-drug approaches can provide long-term relief for a wide range of anxiety disorders. These strategies teach you to take charge of your worries and build healthier coping skills for the future.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn to change your negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself and your life. This kind of counseling can improve your self-esteem, reduce your fears and make you feel better about yourself.

Regular exercise can also ease anxiety. It increases the production of neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, that calm you down and help you relax. Studies show that even short exercise sessions can help you manage your anxiety.

Meditation and relaxation techniques can also reduce your stress levels and boost your mood. These can include taking a 15-minute break to sit quietly and focus on your breathing or repeating a positive affirmation.

Avoiding alcohol and drugs is another important way to treat anxiety. Smoking, eating too much sugar and caffeine can all increase your stress level and lead to worsened symptoms of anxiety.

Support groups and online forums can also be a helpful source of support for people with anxiety. These organizations offer resources to help you cope with your disorder, such as information and support groups, and they also often have therapists available for one-on-one appointments.

Getting help before your symptoms start to get worse is always the best way to fight anxiety. You can find free help and support from a number of national and international organizations, as well as websites dedicated to helping those with anxiety disorders. You can also talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your symptoms, such as avoiding stimulants like caffeine and sugar.