Anxiety is something everyone experiences to varying degrees. Your anxiety may kick in when you\u2019re about to take an exam or say \u201cI do\u201d at your wedding. That \u201cbutterflies in your stomach\u201d feeling is something that people just like you feel every day.<\/p>\n
Other settings where anxiety kicks in could include when you\u2019re having trouble finding work, or when you go to large parties and have to socialize with people. Some people even get anxious when seeing their doctor.<\/p>\n
When anxiety goes beyond feeling nervous to the point that you are unable to work or function normally, you may be experiencing a disorder. Having a chronic anxiety disorder impacts individuals differently, but there are common symptoms that you will begin to notice in yourself or a loved one.<\/p>\n
A clinical anxiety disorder comes with physical symptoms. One of the more common sensations is crushing chest pain in the center of your chest that radiates to the left arm. When this symptom is present, it makes you feel like you\u2019re dying. This is especially true in young, healthy people.<\/p>\n
If you have chest pains, go to the hospital, but keep in mind that it could be anxiety.<\/p>\n
Often, anxiety is set off by stress. Situations that you may find yourself in every day and consider normal life could trigger an attack in someone who has an anxiety disorder. For instance, you work a full-time job and do your best to manage your home life and office life. While stuck in traffic, you begin thinking about all of the things you need to get done, and while most people would begin processing how to make it happen, you, being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, are unable to process and begin feeling overwhelmed. Your heart starts racing, you start feeling a tingling around your mouth and stomach pains begin setting in.<\/p>\n
While the above scenario is just a \u201cfor instance,\u201d it represents a very true reality for many.<\/p>\n
Another scenario that is outside of normal life, is when called upon to testify in a court hearing. Anyone who has ever been a part of legal proceedings would understandably feel a bit anxious about this new situation. For those who have an anxiety disorder, the mere thought of having to testify in an official capacity could produce enough stress to trigger an anxiety attack.<\/p>\n
People who have to give a speech at work can experience anxiety before speaking to the point where they are unable to proceed with their talk. When prescribed an MRI, the thought of being still and encased in a machine for an extended period of time can be enough to trigger an attack.<\/p>\n
While there can be any number of scenarios that trigger an anxiety attack for someone with a chronic disorder, the good news is that in many cases a small amount of medication can get you through. For more extreme symptoms or in situations where anxiety is a constant battle, more intensive therapy may be needed in addition to medication.<\/p>\n
While everyone gets \u201cbutterflies,\u201d anxiety disorders are more serious and should be treated right away.<\/p>\n
After reading this article, if you can relate to what\u2019s been described, that is an indication that you should speak with your doctor. Whether you are the one experiencing anxiety or you have a friend or loved one who experiences the described symptoms, the first step is to consult with someone who can advise you on what options are available to help you be the best possible version of yourself.<\/p>\n