Anxiety can be either generalized across many aspects of ones life, specific to certain situations or come on in surges of distressing episodes called “Panic Attacks”. These involve sudden, brief sensations of breathlessness, a heavy pressure on the chest, feelings of depersonalization, sweating and sometimes a shaking/trembling sensation. Often times people are unaware why they are feeling this way and go to an emergency room based on fear of a heart attack. Panic attacks are highly disturbing and uncomfortable, but treatable.
Symptoms of anxiety can involve difficulty controlling worrisome thoughts, feeling constantly keyed up or on edge, muscle tension, insomnia, irritability and difficulty with memory or concentration. Some degree of anxiety is both normal and healthy – it helps us to stay on top of necessary tasks, take action and can keep us vigilant of possible threats. Anxiety rises beyond a normal, healthy range when it impairs ones functioning and/or leads to avoidance of certain activities.
When anxiety reaches a point where it’s present more times than not, impacts relationships, causes physical discomfort or leads to avoiding activities, is likely benefit from addressing these issues in therapy. Discussing, exploring and better understanding this experience can rapidly lead a higher sense of wellbeing.