Anxiety: Symptoms, Interventions, & When To See A Mental Health Professional

Brief Overview:

Anxiety can be thought of as, “A sense of uneasiness, nervousness, worry, fear, or dread of what’s about to happen or what might happen” (KidsHealth.org). Experiencing anxiety before and/or during a stressful event is normal – so many do.

Symptoms (Mayo Clinic):

• Feeling nervous, restless or tense
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
• Having trouble sleeping

Interventions:

MindWellNYC.com lists 15 effective strategies to get your anxiety under control! See below.

• Deep Breathing
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Exercise
• Get Organized
• Self-Care
• Acceptance
• Mindfulness
• Journaling
• Positive Affirmations
• Do Something Fun
• Get Out In Nature
• Break Out of Isolation
• Face Your Fears
• Challenge Your Thinking
• See a Therapist

*If your feelings of worry become excessive and persist, read the below from the Mayo Clinic:

See a doctor/mental health professional if:

• You feel like you’re worrying too much and it’s interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life
• Your fear, worry or anxiety is upsetting to you and difficult to control
• You feel depressed, have trouble with alcohol or drug use, or have other mental health concerns along with anxiety
• You think your anxiety could be linked to a physical health problem
• You have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — if this is the case, seek emergency treatment immediately

Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.