Anxiety

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

When anxiety is under control, it is an important and productive part of life. It is our built-in alarm bell. However, in cases in which anxiety has become overwhelming, it can be debilitating. If you have wondered if what your are experiencing is anxiety, use the questionnaire below as a tool of evaluation.

• Do you experience sudden episodes of intense and overwhelming fear that seem to come on for no apparent reason?
• During these episodes, do you experience the following symptoms: racing heart, chest pain, difficulty breathing, choking sensation, feeling lightheaded, tingling or numbness?
• During the episodes do you worry about something terrible happening to you, such as embarrassing yourself, having a heart attack or dying?
• Do you worry about having an additional episode?
• Do you worry about a number of events or activities?
• is it difficult to control the worry?
• Do you also have two or more of these symptoms: feeling restless or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep?
• Do you have recurring thoughts or images that feel intrusive and make you anxious?
• On occasion, do you know that these thoughts or images are unreasonable or excessive?
• Do you want these thoughts or images to stop, but can’t seem to control them?
• Are you afraid of one or more social or performance situations: speaking up, taking a test, being the center of attention, eating, writing or working in public?
• Do you get anxious and worried if you try to participate in those situations?
• Do you avoid these situations when possible?
• Are you afraid of one specific object or situation, such as heights, storms, water, animals, elevators, closed-in spaces, receiving an injection, or seeing blood?
• Do you get anxious and worried if you try to participate in those situations?
• Do you avoid these situations when possible?

If you answered ‘yes’ to 5 or more of the questions above, it is likely you are experiencing anxiety and would benefit from therapeutic interventions. Contact Moments of Clarity today to schedule a therapy appointment and learn coping skills to manage your anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms of Panic Attacks

• Surge of overwhelming panic
• Feeling of losing control or “going crazy”
• Heart palpitations or chest pain
• Feeling like you’re going to pass out
• Trouble breathing or choking sensation
• Hyperventilation
• Hot flashes or chills
• Trembling or shaking
• Nausea or stomach cramps
• Feeling detached or unreal

As a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, Amanda Spriggs has additional and specialized training to help individuals suffering from anxiety and/or panic attacks. Contact Moments of Clarity today to schedule an appointment.