How Your Doctor Can Help You Manage Anxiety
There are several approaches that can help you cope with anxiety, and you can guide your own treatment plan. One size does not fit all. It is important to remain honest with your provider about how you would like to manage your symptoms.
Medication. Many people fear that they will be advised only to start medications. This may be suggested, as medication can be helpful in some cases. But you can say that you prefer conservative or alternative measures. After all, this is your health were talking about. Before stopping any medication, discuss this with your providerstopping abruptly can worsen symptoms.
Lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise and eating healthy can improve your symptoms. We can also incorporate integrative medicine into your plan, which consists of meditation, yoga, emotional support animals, acupuncture and massage therapy to help manage stress.
Overall health. Well also evaluate your overall physical health by ruling out thyroid conditions, sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea, and autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis that can cause anxiety. Managing vitamin D and iron levels can also help improve your symptoms. By just checking your vitals, we can help get to the root cause of your anxiety.
If you are concerned about your anxiety, reach out to your doctor for guidance. Dont have a primary care physician? Find one near you.
Feeling Anxious About Seeing The Doctor 7 Tips That Might Help
No one ever said that going to the doctor was a fun way to spend time. Between fitting an appointment into your schedule, waiting around in an exam room, and navigating the ins and outs of your insurance, a medical visit can be a hassle even under the best of circumstances.
But for some, doctors appointments are more than just an inconvenience. A number of people have extreme anxiety about going to the doctor.
The fear of doctors, known as iatrophobia, is often strong enough to provoke white coat syndrome, in which normally healthy blood pressure soars in the presence of a medical professional.
Experts estimate that 15 to 30 percent of people whose blood pressure appears high in a medical setting experience this syndrome myself included.
Though Im a healthy 30-something my fear of the doctors office never fails. Every time I go to the doctor, my vital signs make me look like a heart attack waiting to happen.
For me, this temporary terror stems from medical trauma from my past. Years ago, suffering from a mysterious condition no one could seem to diagnose, I was passed around from doctor to doctor.
During that time, many doctors spent very little time trying to get to the bottom of my health problems and some outright dismissed me.
Ever since, Ive dreaded placing myself under medical care and harbor fears of misdiagnosis.
While my story is unfortunately not all that uncommon, there are plenty of other reasons people get anxious about visiting a physician.
How To Ask Your Doctor For Anti
So you think you might benefit from anti-anxiety medications. How do you initiate the conversation?
Its normal to worry about this exchange with your doctor. Many people worry about advocating properly for themselves when asking for medication.
Asking your doctor about anti-anxiety medication is a simple process, though they may have questions about your symptoms and elements of your lifestyle that may need addressing.
They may, for instance, ask about other medications youre taking or your daily caffeine intake, as those things may affect your anxiety.
Before starting you on medication, they may have you make other changes to avoid putting you on a medication that isnt necessary.
If youre drinking six lattes a day, cutting back on the excess caffeinated beverages may solve some of your problems.
This is a good time to ask your own questions and get an expectation for how your treatment may work.
A doctor will be able to explain different medication options and make recommendations based on your particular symptoms.
Theyll also be able to explain how long you can expect medications to take to start working, and how to take them properly.
They will also explain the effects of medications for anxiety, including what may happen as a result of long-term use, and resulting withdrawal symptoms if you discontinue use.
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How To Know If You Have Anxiety
Its that sinking in your stomach that feels like a heavyweight, the endless circle of troublesome thoughts and not forgetting that super-fast pumping heart rate. Perhaps this sounds all too familiar, extreme anxiety symptoms arent just present in our minds, but also show physical signs and can take their toll on your general health.
At some point or another, everyone experiences high anxiety symptoms in their lifetime. In fact, to some degree, its an expected and usual response to events such as changing jobs, moving house, or financial difficulties. If youre wondering how common it is, the World Health Organization estimates one in every 13 people worldwide experience anxiety. Its often explained as worrying about something that has not occurred yet, or something which may never happen, whereas depression is often linked to past events . The two are very different conditions and often overlap.
When anxiety symptoms start to take over and impact your day-to-day living, it could be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder. Its a good idea to understand your symptoms and where they are coming from so you can get on top of it. Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, but keep your eyes peeled for these six key signs.
Sleep Disturbances And Fatigue
Irritability And Agitation
Social Avoidance
Muscle Tension
Panic Attacks
A Foggy Mind
What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Anxiety
Are you feeling nervous, restless, or tense? Do you think you have anxiety and want to seek help? Is your mind confused that what kind of doctor should you consult? If yes, then your search engine has brought you the best place. In this article, What kind of doctor should I see for anxiety? youll find all that you are seeking.
Anxiety is a group of mental disorders characterized by considerable feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and fear. A person may seem to worry about future events and this might hinder his/ her daily functioning.
It is important to seek help as soon as possible if a person shows symptoms of anxiety. The sooner the treatment begins, the better will be the outcome. So lets begin!
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Can You Go To A Regular Doctor For Anxiety
Yes, you can go to a regular doctor for anxiety for an initial check-up only. Your regular doctor will conduct a complete psycho examination to determine if your anxiety is due to any medical condition.
Several medical conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes, and hormone imbalances can cause anxiety symptoms. Some medications may have adverse side effects which might also be a cause of your anxiety.
The doctor will then give your medication or relevant treatment to treat your health condition. However, if your regular doctor rules out other conditions, you might be then referred to a mental health professional.
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What A Mental Health Professional Looks For
Your mental health professional can diagnose you by evaluating your symptoms on specific criteria in the DSM-5, including whether:
- Youve experienced significant life changes recently
- Youve had anxiety and worry for at least six months
- Youve had trouble control your worries
- Your anxiety involves at least three of the most common symptoms of anxiety
- Your symptoms cause significant impairment in your everyday life
- Your symptoms are better explained by a different mental condition
Your mental health professional will work with you to uncover the root of your anxiety, make a diagnosis whether its generalized anxiety disorder or another anxiety disorder and find the best treatment for your unique symptoms.
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Get Anxiety Treatment From Experts Who Care
Having feelings of anxiety or an anxiety disorder is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. You dont have to go it alone, either. Anxiety is highly treatable, and its possible to manage it effectively and feel fulfilled.
At the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute, we can offer you meaningful support from mental health professionals who want to help you feel whole, physically and mentally. Learn more about our our mental health care or reach out to us to get started.
Is This The First Time Youve Felt This Way
If youâve never had a panic attack and youâre having chest pain, go to the hospital. A doctor should check to make sure youâre not having a serious medical problem, like a heart attack, a blood clot in your lungs, or a collapsed lung. Risk factors for a heart attack include high blood pressure, being overweight, having a close family member who has had a heart attack, and smoking.
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What Is A Phobia
Phobias are anxiety disorders that cause extreme, irrational fear of something, far beyond the actual danger it presents. Iatrophobia is a type of phobia known as a specific phobic disorder.
You may be afraid of doctors or medical procedures because of past trauma. Or fear may stem from the connection to blood, injuries and injections .
If It Is A Repeat Pattern Not Just A 1
Number one question, Is what youre experiencing with these feelings of anxiety and panic and worry and overwhelm, is it a regular pattern? Is it happening again and again or is it just a one-off? Did you just have a bad day?
Or, Is this something that seems to be coming back again and again?
So, the same time every month or are you experiencing it all day every day, for example?
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What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety
While anxiety symptoms vary from person to person, in general the body reacts in a very specific way to anxiety. When you feel anxious, your body goes on high alert, looking for possible danger and activating your fight or flight responses. As a result, some common symptoms of anxiety include:
- nervousness, restlessness, or being tense
- feelings of danger, panic, or dread
- numbness or tingling sensations
- feeling detached from oneself or reality, known as depersonalization and derealization
- fear of going crazy or losing control
- fear of dying
There are some symptoms of anxiety that can happen in conditions other than anxiety disorders. This is usually the case with panic attacks. The symptoms of panic attacks are similar to those of heart disease, thyroid problems, breathing disorders, and other illnesses.
As a result, people with panic disorder may make frequent trips to emergency rooms or doctors offices. They may believe they are experiencing life-threatening health conditions other than anxiety.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, these include:
Dont Be Afraid To Talk About Anxiety
Bringing up the conversation of anxiety with your doctor might seem intimidating, but it doesnt have to be.
Its important to address your feelings, and your doctors office provides a very safe environment to have that conversation. Know that although you may feel there is a stigma associated with anxiety, its a very normal response to fear and worry.
A lot of people never bring it up with their doctor because they worry theyll be put on medication for the rest of their life, and this just isnt the case. Medication is one of many treatment options available to manage and treat symptoms of anxiety, along with lifestyle changes and other natural approaches.
Dont be afraid to start the conversation with your doctor.
Its just important to bring it up and voice your concerns. That is the most important thing: dont be afraid to start the conversation with your doctor. It can be as simple as saying, Doctor I want to talk to you about how Ive been feeling lately
Your doctor will likely want to talk about your work, spiritual life, relationships and physical health and how anxiety might be impacting those areas of your life. Be prepared to also discuss your family history and personal history of anxiety, depression or mood disorders, chronic illnesses and other potential health concerns.
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When To See Your Gp
Although feelings of anxiety at certain times are completely normal, you should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and your worries, fears and emotions to try to find out if you could have GAD.
Read more about diagnosing GAD
How Your Doctor Can Help With Anxiety
If youre looking for a natural approach to tackling your anxiety, regular exercise, meditation, peer support, healthy sleep, balanced nutrition and deep breathing are proven ways to alleviate anxiety.Your doctor can also provide guidance on lifestyle changes and approaches in integrative medicine that could lower your symptoms.
But if adjustments to your lifestyle are not providing relief, your doctor may prescribe medication such as a low-dose pill option to help regulate neurotransmitters from the brain. This will balance your chemicals and physiology, and can help you through a period of particularly high anxiety. If you do decide to start taking a medication, you should speak with your physician about the long-term impact and treatment plan beyond the period of regular medication.
We need to normalize the conversation about anxiety and stress. Know that if you are dealing with anxiety, there is nothing wrong with you youre simply human. You have nothing to lose by bringing it up to your doctor.
Worried about going to the doctor during COVID-19? Rest assured that our COVID-19 Safe Care plan is designed to keep you and your family safe and healthy, both at home and when you come in for a visit. Learn more about our COVID-19 safety measures or schedule a virtual visit today.
If you are concerned about your anxiety, reach out to your doctor for guidance. Dont have a primary care physician? Find one near you.
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Should I Go To The Doctor About Anxiety
A question people ask me a lot is:
“Should I go to the doctor about my anxiety?”
Asking yourself this question is common. Why? Because there is a tonne of stuff to think about when deciding to go to the doctor or not. And, as a worrier, you are going to obsess over these reasons more than most.
In this guide, I will take you through all of the pros and cons of going to see your doctor about your anxiety.
Other Types Of Anxiety Disorder
There are several other types of anxiety disorder, including:
- panic disorder a condition where you have recurring, regular panic attacks for more information, see anxiety, fear and panic
- phobias an extreme or irrational fear of something, like an animal or a place
- agoraphobia a fear related to situations such as leaving home, being in crowds or travelling alone
- obsessive compulsive disorder a condition that usually involves unwanted thoughts or urges, and repetitive behaviours
- post-traumatic stress disorder a condition caused by frightening or distressing events
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You’re Having Thoughts Of Suicide
People with anxiety may also suffer from depression. When depression is severe, some people think about suicide. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, getting immediate medical help is essential. Go to an emergency room. A mental health professional will evaluate you to determine the level of risk. Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Talking To Your Gp About Anxiety
Your GP may ask you questions about:
- any physical or psychological symptoms and how long you have had them for
- your worries, fears and emotions
- your personal life
You may find it difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life.
But it’s important that your GP understands your symptoms and circumstances so the correct diagnosis can be made.
You’re most likely to be diagnosed with GAD if you have had symptoms for 6 months or more.
Finding it difficult to manage your feelings of anxiety is also an indication that you may have the condition.
To help with the diagnosis, your GP may carry out a physical examination or blood tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as:
- anaemia
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Things To Tell Your Doctor
This information will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
- Make a list of your symptoms and when they began. Note when your symptoms occur, how they affect your life, and when theyre better or worse.
- Write down any major stresses in your life, as well as any traumas youve experienced, both past and present.
- Write down all of your health conditions: mental and physical.
- Make a list of all medications and supplements youre taking. Include how much you take and how often.
List any other substances you use or consume, such as:
- coffee
What Is An Anxiety Disorder
We all feel anxious from time to time, but anxiety disorders are more than a temporary bout of worry or fear. An anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, overwhelming feelings of anxiety, worry, or fear that are intense enough to interfere with an individuals day-to-day life. People with an anxiety disorder experience stress that is out of proportion to the thing they are worrying about and are unable to put these negative thoughts aside. They may feel constantly tense and on-edge, even if they arent certain what exactly they are anxious about.
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