When Does Anxiety Warrant Professional Help?

Occasional anxiety, particularly when connected with stressful elements of your life, is normal. Virtually everyone experiences periods of anxiety at some point. 

When these bouts become frequent or severe enough to interfere with daily living, relationships, or sleep, then it’s a mental health disorder that needs treatment. 

Nizar A. Tejani, MD, regularly treats patients with anxiety at his Stockbridge, Georgia practice. Dr. Tejani knows that nearly 13% of American adults regularly experience feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and worry, many of whom also suffer from depression. 

Where’s the line, though, between “normal” anxiety levels and when anxiety warrants professional help? That answer isn’t always straightforward since mental health disorders vary widely from patient to patient. Let’s look at the condition so you have a better understanding of your situation. 

Recognizing anxiety attacks

Though it’s described as a mental health disorder, anxiety can also carry physical symptoms. Nor is anxiety a single experience. There are many ways anxiety can manifest itself, and anxiety can even be a symptom or part of other mental health disorders, as we’ve already seen with depression. 

Symptoms of anxiety include both physical and psychological signs. Physical signs include: 

• Cold and/or sweaty hands
• Dry mouth
• Sleep disorders like insomnia
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Numbness and/or tingling in your hands or feet
• Restlessness

Psychological symptoms include: 

• Feelings of dread, fear, panic, or uneasiness 
• Irritable moods
• Problems with focus or concentration
• Obsessive thoughts that are difficult to control or ignore
• A general inability to relax or settle your mind

Often, there can be specific problems or situations that give rise to your anxiety and serve as a focal point for thoughts and feelings. This is sometimes an indication of a regular occurrence of anxiety when it occurs on its own, without a pattern of additional attacks. 

When you should visit a mental health professional

It’s time to consult with Dr. Tejani when a pattern of anxiety emerges, or individual attacks become extreme. Some of the signs it’s time for help include: 

• Anxiety, fear, or worried feelings are difficult or impossible to control
• You feel worried about your mental state and its effects on aspects of your daily life
• Depression and anxiety occur together
• You feel a connection between anxiety and physical health issues
• You turn to substance abuse or binge-type behaviors

Anxiety can follow a spiraling path. Your anxiety may itself be a cause for further feelings of anxiety. Breaking a cycle like this can be difficult on your own. Similarly, if you feel your symptoms expanding or becoming more intense, it’s a good sign that it’s time to visit Dr. Tejani. 

When your anxiety includes thoughts of self-harm and suicide

Treat this as an emergency and seek the nearest available medical care, including a 911 call or emergency room visit, as soon as possible. You may be in a life-threatening mental state. 

Like many medical conditions, anxiety may be easier to treat in its early stages. Contact Dr. Tejani’s office before anxiety dominates your life. 

You can book appointments by phone or online. Schedule your visit today.