Some Ways anxiety presents itself physically
o Blurred vision
o Chest tightness
o Difficulty breathing
o Hyper-ventilation
o Shaking
o Not able to sit still
o Difficulty talking
o Racing heartbeat
o Upset stomach
o Insomnia (Can’t stop thinking about stressors)
o Sleeping too much
o Interrupted sleep (Can’t stop thinking about stressors)
o Cold, sweaty, tingly hands or feet
o Dry mouth
o Nausea
o Tense muscles
o Dizziness
o Intensely or obsessively avoiding people, places, or objects.
Some Ways anxiety presents itself mentally
o Depersonalization/Derealization
o Hyper-awareness
o Feelings of dread- constantly being on edge imagining worst case scenarios, catastrophic thinking
o Sense of unease- feeling that something is wrong
o Difficulty concentrating
o Panic
o Phobia
o Feelings of doom- feeling of knowing that something life threatening or tragic is about to happen
o Perseverating on a problem (Rumination)
When to seek help.
o When it consistently interferes with your daily life.
o When there is no apparent reason for the symptoms.
o When physical exercise does not help—How do I know I am not having a heart attack.
o When others who have experienced anxiety or are knowledgeable about it recommend you seek help.
o Excessive procrastination
o Anger can disguise itself as anxiety and vice versa is true
o According to Psychology Today: If you feel anxious more than half the week for at least six months or longer.
