Being anxious about situations with an element of uncertainty is but a natural reaction that usually dissipates once the triggers are resolved.
Medical experts say worrying is natural, but anxiety becomes a cause for concern once a person begins to obsess about the “what ifs” of whatever it is they’re worrying about, to the point that it paralyzes them from thinking of or doing anything else.
Dr. Carmina G. Bernardo from the Section of Psychiatry of Makati Medical Center identifies the symptoms of debilitating anxiety, and how one can overcome this heightened sense of dread and fear before it controls every aspect of their life.
Overthinking
“Worrying is normal, but when you constantly worry about someone or something or worry even about the littlest things, that is a red flag,” Dr. Bernardo points out. “Worrying also becomes unhealthy when it gets in the way of more important thoughts or daily activities.”
Poor concentration
Poor concentration, which is a result of overthinking (or thinking of nothing else), leads to errors at school or work as well as oversights at home (e.g., leaving the faucet running or forgetting to turn off the stove), which may cause accidents.
Difficulty sleeping
Yet another result of thinking too much, according to Dr. Bernardo. “When you obsess over a particular thought or fear, you can’t sleep, let alone relax.”
Physical manifestations
Worrying too much elevates the heart rate and blood pressure. It makes a person sweat and hyperventilate. It tenses their muscles. And it affects their digestive system with hyperacidity, constipation, or diarrhea. “When the brain is convinced that there is some form of ‘imminent danger,’ the body automatically reacts,” says Dr. Bernardo.
Fatigue
An out-of-proportion sense of anxiety is both physically and mentally exhausting; hence, those who worry too much are often too tired or drained for anything else.
Panic attacks
While many have no qualms about walking through a crowd, getting on a plane, or encountering a dog, those with major anxiety issues freeze and even freak out over the mere sight or thought of these stressors or phobias. “Phobia, or an extreme fear of something, can really interfere with rational thinking and normal functions,” explains Dr. Bernardo.
When to get help
While maintaining a regular exercise routine and balanced diet, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can help soothe frayed nerves, seeking professional help is strongly recommended when the anxiety begins to take over one’s life.
“If your anxiety affects your daily activities and relationships, is difficult to manage on your own, or leads to depression—or worse, suicidal thoughts—do not hesitate to see your doctor immediately,” advises Dr. Bernardo.
“Though anxiety is typically caused by a specific and external trigger,” she clarifies “some anxiety can also be due to a pre-existing health condition like heart disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. In these cases, a physician can help you address and hopefully alleviate your symptoms.”
Speaking up about anxiety—whether in private to a professional, to a close friend, or as part of a support group—also helps ease woes. “Verbalizing your anxiety somehow relieves you from the weight of your worries,” says Dr. Bernardo. “Especially if you share your feelings with someone who listens, it makes you feel heard and cared for.”
“More importantly, discussing your anxieties with others lessens the stigma surrounding mental health,” she adds. “It also encourages others to speak up about their own issues. When people open up about their anxieties in a supportive and trusting environment, it somehow lessens their loneliness and fears, and makes anxiety easier to conquer even if there are no immediate solutions.”
For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at (02) 8888-8999, email [email protected], or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.