Anxiety

What is Anxiety? 

Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness or worry. It is typically an emotion that is driven by stress of what is to come. For example, one may feel nervous or anxious about a first day at work, school, dance recitals etc.  

It is normal to feel anxious during these times. However, when a person feels anxious regularly, it can start to require medical attention. Understanding the difference between regular feelings of anxiety and anxiety disorder can help a person distinguish whether they may need medical attention or not.  

When should you seek treatment? 

Anxiety 

The average individual can feel anxious throughout their days/weeks. Anxiety may come in the form of elevated heart rate, sweating, and increased alertness to their surroundings. These symptoms trigger your body to release a hormone known as adrenalin, which prepares your body for a fight or flight response.  

Current day examples of anxiety may be shown in a work setting, family, and health. In these situations, you may seem nervous, like before a big speech, or worrisome about test results. These feelings are completely normal. 

Anxiety Disorders 

The difference between the normal feeling of anxiety and a Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is that, the person may feel these nervous ticks to an extreme level.  

Symptoms of GAD: 

• Increased Irritability 
• Sleep Difficulties, such as trouble staying asleep or falling asleep 
• Feelings of being "on-edge" 
• Feeling worried indefinitely 
• Sweating 
• Increased Heart Rate 

While these symptoms may seem normal for a person who may be anxious, if a person is experiencing these symptoms at an extreme or severe level, it can disrupt their day-to-day lifestyle.  

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of uncontrolled anxiety, please book an appointment or seek help from a healthcare professional today.