Some Ways anxiety presents itself physically

o Blurred vision

o Chest tightness

o Difficulty breathing

o Hyper-ventilation

o Shaking

o Not able to sit still

o Difficulty talking

o Racing heartbeat

o Upset stomach

o Insomnia (Can’t stop thinking about stressors)

o Sleeping too much

o Interrupted sleep (Can’t stop thinking about stressors)

o Cold, sweaty, tingly hands or feet

o Dry mouth

o Nausea

o Tense muscles

o Dizziness

o Intensely or obsessively avoiding people, places, or objects.

Some Ways anxiety presents itself mentally

o Depersonalization/Derealization

o Hyper-awareness

o Feelings of dread- constantly being on edge imagining worst case scenarios, catastrophic thinking

o Sense of unease- feeling that something is wrong

o Difficulty concentrating

o Panic

o Phobia

o Feelings of doom- feeling of knowing that something life threatening or tragic is about to happen

o Perseverating on a problem (Rumination)

When to seek help.

o When it consistently interferes with your daily life.

o When there is no apparent reason for the symptoms.

o When physical exercise does not help—How do I know I am not having a heart attack.

o When others who have experienced anxiety or are knowledgeable about it recommend you seek help.

o Excessive procrastination

o Anger can disguise itself as anxiety and vice versa is true

o According to Psychology Today: If you feel anxious more than half the week for at least six months or longer.