When Does Anxiety Warrant Professional Help?

We all know what it’s like to feel anxious on occasion. Those brief feelings of worry or stress are just your body’s way of keeping you on high alert and increasing your ability to make good decisions.

For example, if you have an important test at school or a prestigious presentation at work, you may experience anxiety-related symptoms, such as racing thoughts, sweaty palms, or a rapid heartbeat. Even though it’s unpleasant, this “fight-or-flight” response is meant to push you to adapt and achieve excellence. For most people, anxiety passes once the situation has been resolved.

However, those anxious feelings can be severe and occur regularly. You may even notice you start worrying about everyday situations, causing you to avoid situations, places, or people that might induce anxiety symptoms.

If anxiety is overtaking your life, an anxiety disorder might be to blame. At Mind and Body Medicine, LLC, in Boise, Idaho, Tamara McDonald, DNP, understands how anxiety can take a toll on your quality of life. Let’s explore anxiety disorder and your options for anxiety management.

Defining anxiety disorders

Having an anxiety disorder is different from being anxious. “Normal” anxiety should be proportional to whatever situation you’re in and dissipate once it’s over. Alternatively, anxiety disorders can have any of the following defining characteristics:

Severe anxiety about a variety of situations or activities
Overwhelming anxiety that’s difficult to control
Intense fear or worry that jumps from topic to topic
Excessive anxiety that lasts for longer than six months

In addition, anxiety disorders can lead to crippling fear over scenarios that are likely never to occur. For example, if you have a fear of heights, it may become so intense that you can’t even drive over a bridge anymore.

Anxiety disorders are also often accompanied by unexplained physical and cognitive symptoms, such as:

Muscle pain
Sleep disturbances
Nausea
Restlessness
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Extreme fatigue

Seeking professional help for anxiety

If you feel like your entire life is under the influence of anxiety, don’t delay in seeking help from Dr. McDonald. She can help you regain a feeling of control over your life by providing effective anxiety management strategies.

Anti-anxiety medications and therapy are two of the best treatments for anxiety disorders. Medication helps calm and quiet the loud and racing thoughts, while therapy helps identify your specific anxiety triggers and offers strategies to break free from negative thought patterns.

Establishing healthy life habits can also help improve your mood and mental health. Find a way to move your body that’s enjoyable for you, and do it regularly. Focus on nourishing your body and mind with nutrient-dense foods. Prioritize high-quality sleep and surround yourself with a good support system.

To get started with expert anxiety management, schedule an appointment with Dr. McDonald by calling 208-591-6410 or using the online booking feature today.