Anxiety: Signs & When to Seek Help

Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley

I want to introduce you to the signs and symptoms of anxiety and when you should seek support. Anxiety is one of the most common forms of mental illness in the country with 40 million adults in the U.S. experiencing it (that is 18%, nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population). There are different types of anxiety disorders, including phobias. Nearly one-third (31%) of U.S. adults may experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Child Mind Institute reports that 30% of children and adolescents experience anxiety during childhood, which is a 17% increase in the last 10 years. This issue is quite common and was further exacerbated during the coronavirus pandemic. Anxiety is defined by an intense and excessive feeling of worry and fear that persists over time.

Signs to look for:

  • Dizziness
  • Restlessness
  • Racing and unwanted thoughts
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability and easily agitated
  • Excessive worrying
  • Irrational fears
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Shifts in sleep or diet
  • Muscle tension

When to seek help:

Remember, feeling anxious or worrying is a normal part of life. However, there are things to look for that indicate the need to reach out to a professional for support: 

  1. When it begins to interfere with daily activities
  2. When a person begins to avoid different situations or places 
  3. When the fear or worry is out of proportion to a particular event or issue
  4. When feelings become too difficult to control. If you are having these feelings each day for a period of six months, it would be helpful to talk with a mental health professional. Trust yourself! 

There are times where it is even more important to reach out for professional help. If you are experiencing panic attacks, getting professional support is important. 

Panic attacks are sudden feelings of intense anxiety, fear or terror. They are often identified when someone reports experiencing a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, nausea, dry mouth, shaking, sweating, tingling feelings or numbness, and a profound fear of dying or doom. These attacks can be isolated or can occur more frequently potentially indicating panic disorder. Often, people with anxiety disorder think they may be having a heart attack.

Anxiety is real. It is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. Just like any chronic disease, it can be debilitating, but is also highly treatable. 

Suggested Articles