5 Signs Your Anxiety Warrants a Medical Evaluation

Mental health conditions are on the rise, especially anxiety disorders. They happen when you feel intense fear or worry about things that shouldn’t normally cause those reactions.

If anxiety attacks or constant worry is taking over your life, it’s likely time to seek professional treatment. At Oasis Health and Wellness, our team specializes in treatment for various mental health disorders through our psychiatric evaluations.

Dr. Tina L. Jackson and Monique M. Watson, DNP(c), PMHNP-BC provide education, stress management techniques, and medication management for anxiety disorders.

5 signs anxiety is out of control

Anxiety is the brain’s way of keeping you safe in dangerous or scary situations. It triggers the fight-or-flight response, which involves physical changes like muscle tension, increased heart rate, and tunnel vision.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your brain perceives threats that aren’t really an issue, leading to these symptoms almost daily. Anxiety symptoms range from mild to severe, and often include:

1. Sleep disruptions

People with persistent anxiety may struggle to get a good night’s sleep, often lying awake with racing thoughts or worry. Exhaustion and feeling tired even with adequate sleep are signs anxiety has taken over.

2. Persistent physical symptoms

Physical symptoms of anxiety often include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If these persist along with mental strain, it’s essential to seek treatment.

3. Impairs daily living

Some people have anxiety so bad it affects their daily life, including work, school, and personal relationships. If your anxiety makes you avoid the things you love, professional treatment is the answer.

4. Trigger avoidance

Anxiety is often triggered by something external, such as a sound or smell. Learning your triggers can help you avoid them, but if you encounter them from time to time, anxiety may still pop up. The good news is that learning healthy coping strategies can help calm anxiety.

5. Frequent panic attacks

People with anxiety who experience panic attacks often feel like death is imminent. Panic attacks can cause chest pain, trouble breathing, and severe fear despite no real threat. Understanding panic attacks allows you to learn how to cope when they come on.

What happens at the medical evaluation?

At your appointment, our team discusses your medical history and anxiety. Please tell us about all the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, their severity, and how long they’ve been going on.

We also want to know about any lifestyle changes you’ve tried, such as cutting back on caffeine or meditation. We can then tailor your treatment to your lifestyle and level of anxiety.

After a thorough exam and discussion, we check your vital signs and discuss the next steps in anxiety treatment.

What to expect from anxiety treatment

The treatment you need depends on your physical health and specific anxiety disorder. In most cases, a mix of medication management and psychotherapy is the best option to control anxiety long-term.

Medications include antidepressants and anxiolytics, which are often taken daily. They help control neurotransmitters that could be low, causing anxiety symptoms.

Psychotherapy has many branches, including cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT helps you understand your thoughts and fears while giving you the tools to overcome them.

We also recommend lifestyle strategies to help decrease anxiety, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol. Relaxation techniques are also great for the mind, including yoga and meditation.

To learn more about our mental health treatments, call or text our team today. We’re conveniently located in the Nashville, Tennessee community.