Anxiety affects our everything about us.  It affects how we feel, how we behave, can be spiritually exhausting, and can have very real physical symptoms. It can feel somewhat like fear, but we typically know what we're afraid of.  Anxiety can be frustrating because many times we do not know what is making us feel anxious. 

Anxiety has a huge range of symptoms.  Mild anxiety can produce a very vague and unsettling feeling, whereas moderate to severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating.   As well as feeling unsettled or worried, a person living with anxiety may experience some physical symptoms such as tense muscles, nausea, numbness in extremities, sweating or feeling flushed.

 

Anxiety is often triggered by stress in our lives. Some of us are more vulnerable to anxiety than others, but even those who become anxious easily can learn to manage it well. Many forms of treatment are available.  Your doctor can evaluate your physical health to rule out any physical issues.  He or she can also prescribe medications that help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety that you may be experiencing.  Additionally, psychologists and marriage and family therapists (counselors) can help you to learn skills for reducing the symptoms, and work to eliminate the root cause of the anxiety.

Anxiety can be exhausting and debilitating. Don't suffer alone for too long. If anxiety is taking a huge bite out of your life, contact your local therapist and your doctor.