Anxiety disorders affect tens of MILLIONS of Americans. This list is meant to educate and offer help and direction to both the sufferer and their family and friends. It is meant to be a simple, accurate overview of anxiety/panic disorder. It is NOT meant to use soley on it’s own, without being assessed by a trained doctor or therapist.
1. See Your Medical Doctor First!!
To rule out any possible *physiological* cause (thyroid disease, etc.) for your racing heart, profuse sweating, jitters, agitation, and other common anxiety and panic symptoms, get a complete physical from your doctor. Tell him your symptoms, and let him know you want to make sure your symptoms are not due to a current disease or physical problem. For *many* people, it also gives them some peace of mind knowing they do not have a deadly or terrible physical disease.
2. Contact and Go See A Trained Therapist (M.S.W., Ph.D., etc.) If The Symptoms Last Longer Than 1-2 weeks, Especially If You Have No Idea Why.
Because anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent of conditions people have when they see a trained therapist or counselor, many advertise that they specialize in anxiety, phobias, and panic disorder. It is important to get help at the earliest point you can, since anxiety and panic disorders tend to “snowball” in their severity if left untreated. Some people who wait too long to seek help end up debilitated and unable to get out of their home to seek help. Don’t wait for it to just “go away.” Don’t be embarrassed. These disorders are very common, and can be very treatable. Read the rest of this entry »
