Everyone feels anxiety from time to time. It can be a normal response to a situation such as an exam or a job interview. However, it starts to become a problem when symptoms of anxiety are unmanageable and persistent. Having an anxiety disorder causes you to experience severe fear or terror that is recurring or prolonged and interferes with your daily life.
Each person’s anxiety experience is unique. In this article, we are going to talk more about anxiety and describe some of the symptoms of anxiety that you may miss and where you can go in Dallas for anxiety treatment.
Symptoms of Anxiety
One can become anxious in different situations:
- Social situations – Attending social gatherings or public speaking.
- Performance-related situations – Job interviews, presentations, and exams.
- Health-related concerns – Doctor’s appointments or medical procedures.
- Conflict or confrontation – Arguments or confrontations.
- Traveling – Whether by plane or driving to unfamiliar destinations.
When anxiety becomes excessive or persistent, it can interfere with daily functioning and lead to significant physical and mental distress.
Below are some of the symptoms of anxiety:
- Tension and nervousness
- Sweating
- An increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Trembling
- Intense feelings of fear
- Trouble concentrating
These are the symptoms of anxiety during an episode. However, once one becomes accustomed to living with anxiety, other common symptoms can be missed.
Commonly Missed Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Here are some signs you might have an anxiety disorder:
Muscle Tension
Muscle stiffness and tension in the neck and shoulders, and even the jaw, can be a sign of anxiety. When you experience anxiety, your body’s natural stress response is activated, and the hormones released by the body cause the muscles to become stiff.
Digestive Issues
Anxiety can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as stomachaches, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms may be chronic or occur during periods of heightened anxiety. Gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux and ulcers can be a consequence of unmanaged anxiety.
Tiredness and Fatigue
Experiencing daytime tiredness can be a symptom of anxiety, whether it’s caused by poor quality or restless sleep or difficulty falling asleep altogether. Without being addressed, the problem of chronic sleeplessness can lead to fatigue or burnout.
Hypervigilance
Constantly feeling on edge or “on alert” for potential threats, even in situations where there is no obvious danger, is a common symptom of anxiety. This hypervigilance can be mentally exhausting and may lead to difficulty relaxing or unwinding.
Irritability
Anxiety can manifest as irritability or moodiness, causing individuals to become easily frustrated and short-tempered. The state of heightened arousal affects emotional regulation. Individuals may react with irritability or anger to situations that may not warrant such a response.
Weight Gain
Some people with anxiety may turn to food as a coping mechanism to manage stress and anxiety. Cortisol is a hormone released during anxiety, which makes managing a healthy weight difficult. For many individuals, anxiety leads to overeating, especially high-calorie or comfort foods, which can contribute to weight gain.
Cognitive Symptoms
Anxiety can affect cognitive functioning, leading to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or racing thoughts. These symptoms may be subtle but can impact daily functioning and productivity. For example, if your work is starting to suffer due to a lack of focus and concentration, it could be because of anxiety.
Avoidance Behaviors
Individuals with anxiety may engage in avoidance behaviors to cope with their feelings of fear or discomfort. It is a vicious cycle as the avoidance can also feed into the anxiety. Examples include avoiding certain situations, places, or activities that trigger anxiety. Avoidance behaviors can impact every aspect of one’s life, from social to professional.
Difficulty with Uncertainty
Individuals with anxiety disorders often struggle with uncertainty and have a low tolerance for ambiguity. They may feel uncomfortable or distressed when faced with situations that are unpredictable, unclear, or beyond their control.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. If left untreated, individuals with anxiety disorders have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and elevated blood pressure.
What To Do If You Have Anxiety
An anxiety disorder diagnosis requires an evaluation by a medical professional. A primary care physician trained in mental health care can help you achieve mental wellness.
If you are concerned about your anxiety or are overwhelmed and have turned to destructive behavior, seek anxiety treatment from an experienced mental health provider.
Anxiety Treatment in Dallas, TX
At Prime Internal Medicine Associates, we offer comprehensive care for individuals with anxiety and depression. We start by really listening to you and your needs to find a way forward. Our anxiety treatment programs are holistic and individualized to each patient, and our primary care doctors are compassionate and truly care about you and your health.
To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (972) 239-5445 or use our online form to schedule an appointment. Our friendly team looks forward to welcoming you to our clinic.
