Anxiety is a normal response to stress. It becomes a concern when it lasts, feels out of proportion, or gets in the way of daily life.
When anxiety is more than a passing feeling
A racing heart before a speech goes away after the speech. Anxiety that persists, or that shows up without a clear trigger, can be a sign of a problem that needs care. Watch for:
- Feeling constantly on edge or restless
- Being easily startled
- Trouble concentrating at work or school
- Physical symptoms such as fast breathing, sweating, headaches, nausea or a racing heart
- Constant worry about things that could go wrong
- Irritability, or trouble relaxing
- Trouble falling asleep or waking often in the night
What can help
Self-care helps many people. Regular exercise, consistent sleep, and stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing can all reduce symptoms. Breaking big problems into smaller steps, or asking for help with time management, can also lower stress.
When self-care is not enough, treatment options include:
- Talk therapy, which helps you change the thought patterns and reactions that fuel anxiety.
- Medication, which can help control symptoms. Your provider will discuss options and side effects with you.
Next steps
If anxiety is affecting your life, you do not need to wait. Call (248) 690‑9181 to schedule an appointment, and we can help you choose a path and suggest local therapists.