Anxious Feelings

What is Anxiety?

Experiencing anxiety is characterized by worry, nervousness, apprehension, or unease, and individuals have varying methods of managing it.

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a common occurrence. Nevertheless, excessive anxiety can have adverse effects on an individual. Seeking medical assistance is recommended in such situations.

Anxiety symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in both psychological and physical symptoms. Let's explore each of them below.

Psychological symptoms of anxiety

Experiencing nervousness, unease, or apprehension
Difficulty focusing on tasks
Feeling down or irritable
A looming sense of panic or threat
Fatigue due to sleep disturbances
Higher levels of alertness
Feeling emotional or distressed.

Physical symptoms of anxiety

During or before an anxiety attack, you may notice:

Trembling or shakingspa
Chest pain, a tight throat or trouble breathing
Dizziness
Nausea
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Dry mouth
Problems with your stomach or digestive system, such as churning
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Low sex drive
Insomnia
Sweating

Is Anxiety a sign of something else?

It is possible that your anxiety could be a symptom of another underlying condition.

Through a conversation with one of our compassionate doctors, you can collaboratively explore whether your anxiety results from a medical condition or another factor. Subsequently, they can suggest the appropriate remedy for your situation.

Anxiety disorders

Various anxiety disorders, encompassing prevalent ones such as generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, and phobias, exist. Below are descriptions of some of these common disorders:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This involves frequent concerns about everyday aspects of life. If a person experiences multiple anxiety symptoms, they might receive a GAD diagnosis.

2. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Individuals with BDD are preoccupied with their physical appearance and engage in compulsive behaviours related to their body.

3. Panic Disorder: This is characterized by a fear of experiencing panic attacks, which can be triggered without an apparent cause.

4. Phobias: Phobias entail an intense fear of specific situations or objects. For instance, agoraphobia involves fearing problems with no escape, while social phobia relates to anxiety in public settings. Other phobias might focus on entities like spiders (arachnophobia).

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Following a trauma, PTSD can lead to flashbacks or nightmares that recreate the traumatic event, causing heightened anxiety.

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Those with OCD exhibit repetitive thoughts or behaviours that may be distressing.

7. Health Anxiety: This disorder involves persistent anxiety about being unwell.

8. Dermatillomania: Also termed a skin-picking disorder, this is characterized by an inability to cease touching, picking, or scratching the skin.

9. Trichotillomania: Also known as hair-pulling disorder, it refers to pulling out one's hair.

These descriptions cover a range of anxiety disorders, each with distinct features and manifestations.

Anxiety attacks

Experiencing anxiety attacks, also called panic attacks, can be alarming and occur unexpectedly without any specific cause. Indicators that you may be having a panic attack include:

A racing heart
Feeling sweaty or getting chills
Having the shakes
Feeling sick
Churning in your stomach
A fear you’re dying, or a fear of dread
Breathing difficulties
Tingling in the hands and fingers
Chest pains
Dry mouth
Feeling faint, weak or dizzy

It may be distressing, but there is no immediate danger during an attack. Typically, the symptoms will ease after lasting for a period of five to 20 minutes.

In the event of an attack, it is advised to concentrate on your breathing techniques, as they can aid in soothing your nerves.

If you struggle with anxiety attacks, our doctors can assist you in developing personalized coping methods. These techniques can be practised and utilized whenever you feel an attack coming on.

It is not typically necessary to visit the hospital following an attack. Still, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to identify the root cause if it has not yet been determined.

Health conditions that cause Anxiety

Your anxiety may be a symptom of an underlying health issue that needs treatment. It can even be an early indication of an undiagnosed illness.

Experiencing anxiety alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression, is common. If our doctors suspect this, they suggest the appropriate treatment or refer you to a specialist for more individualized assistance.

Medical conditions that can cause anxiety include:

Diabetes
Drug/alcohol abuse or withdrawal
In sporadic cases, tumours
Heart disease
Thyroid problems
Respiratory disorders like COPD or asthma
Chronic pain or IBS

Certain medications can also cause anxiety. Consult a doctor if you suspect this is the case.

Getting treatment for your Anxiety symptoms

Our medical professionals are available to talk with you about your emotions, which will aid them in identifying the root cause of your anxiousness and designing an appropriate course of action. You are not obligated to proceed at any particular pace, as they will accommodate your preferences and readiness.

There are various types of treatment, including therapy, medication, and a combination of the two.

Talking therapies

Discussing your anxiety with a medical professional can be beneficial. By identifying the root cause, you can begin to manage and overcome it.

If you are comfortable, you can attend self-help groups, or our doctors can refer you to a specialist to receive the required assistance. It's entirely up to you.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

If your doctor determines that you could benefit from CBT to cope with your anxiety symptoms, they may recommend you for treatment.

CBT aims to assist you in creating strategies to handle your symptoms as they arise effectively. It guides you in reshaping your thought patterns to regulate your symptoms more effectively.

Counselling is an additional form of verbal therapy that a medical professional might recommend. The approach will be tailored to your circumstances, ensuring that the treatment is personalized to your needs.

Anxiety medication

The medical experts at Mobi Doctor can suggest medication to alleviate your anxiety levels. This might involve prescribing antidepressants, beta-blockers, or other suitable options. They will determine your appropriate medication and dosage based on your details.

Depending on the source of your anxiety, the doctor may decide to take a specific course of action. For instance, if a chemical imbalance in the brain causes your anxiety, they may prescribe medication to address this immediately.

If you feel overwhelmed by your anxiety, you must seek professional help. Our medical team can discuss your concerns and build a plan that works for you so you can start feeling better.