When Anxiety is Out of Control
- 1.21.2010
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Everyone worries from time to time. How do you know if your anxiety is out of control? “According to Katherine Schneebaum, M.D., a board certified family practitioner at Riverview Medical Center, it's not normal to worry for six months or more, or for worry to disturb your work or home life. "These could be signs that you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder," says Dr. Schneebaum." Anxiety is a treatable illness that is more prevalent in women than men and seems to run in the genes.
How do you know if you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Some of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include fatigue, insomnia, difficulty swallowing breathlessness, pounding heartbeat, nausea, muscle tension, restlessness, headaches, irritability, and/or hot flashes. You may also experience medical conditions caused by your anxiety like irritable bowel syndrome, depression, or substance abuse.
How do I get help for my Anxiety?
“According to Dr. Schneebaum, the first step to getting better is to talk with your doctor if you suspect you have generalized anxiety disorder. Prescription antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can help ease your excessive worrying and relieve other symptoms. You and your doctor should discuss which type of medication and how much will best treat your condition.
Another option is to talk with a counselor. Two types of therapy can teach you how to rein in your worries when anxiety-provoking situations arise. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to change both how you think and how you act, while behavioral therapy focuses solely on changing unwanted behaviors. "Sometimes the best option is to combine one of these talk therapies with medication," says Dr. Schneebaum.”
What can I do to help ease my Anxiety?
Here is a list of things Dr Schneebaum recommends to help you feel better while you are being treated:
- Encourage members of your family to help you with your treatment goals.
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
- Avoid substances that could make you more anxious. These may include caffeine and even certain over-the-counter cold medications.
- Join a generalized anxiety disorder support group.
- Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
- Enjoy a joke. Keeping a sense of humor may reduce tension.
How do you know if you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Some of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include fatigue, insomnia, difficulty swallowing breathlessness, pounding heartbeat, nausea, muscle tension, restlessness, headaches, irritability, and/or hot flashes. You may also experience medical conditions caused by your anxiety like irritable bowel syndrome, depression, or substance abuse.
How do I get help for my Anxiety?
“According to Dr. Schneebaum, the first step to getting better is to talk with your doctor if you suspect you have generalized anxiety disorder. Prescription antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can help ease your excessive worrying and relieve other symptoms. You and your doctor should discuss which type of medication and how much will best treat your condition.
Another option is to talk with a counselor. Two types of therapy can teach you how to rein in your worries when anxiety-provoking situations arise. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to change both how you think and how you act, while behavioral therapy focuses solely on changing unwanted behaviors. "Sometimes the best option is to combine one of these talk therapies with medication," says Dr. Schneebaum.”
What can I do to help ease my Anxiety?
Here is a list of things Dr Schneebaum recommends to help you feel better while you are being treated:
- Encourage members of your family to help you with your treatment goals.
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
- Avoid substances that could make you more anxious. These may include caffeine and even certain over-the-counter cold medications.
- Join a generalized anxiety disorder support group.
- Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
- Enjoy a joke. Keeping a sense of humor may reduce tension.
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