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.
