Anxiety is a common human experience that arises in response to stress or uncertain situations. While mild anxiety is normal, it becomes a cause for concern when it starts to interfere with our daily lives and well-being. Knowing when to seek help with anxiety is important for managing and overcoming its potentially overwhelming effects. Today, we cover signs and symptoms that indicate when it is time to reach out for help with anxiety.

How to Know to Get Help with Anxiety

The most prevalent symptom of anxiety is an increase in frequency and intensity of worry. When and if that worry and anxiety begins to impact your ability to function and enjoy daily activities, it may be a sign that you need help with anxiety. The inability to control or quieten persistent anxious thoughts, even when there is no immediate threat, can be a sign of an anxiety disorder that requires professional intervention.

Other Signs It’s Time to Get Help with Anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t just affect our thoughts and emotions; it can also manifest in physical symptoms.

If you frequently experience physical manifestations of anxiety such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, muscle tension, fibromyalgia, digestive issues, or panic attacks, it is essential to seek help.

These symptoms can indicate that anxiety is affecting your physical health and may need professional attention.

Other signs it’s time to get help include:

• When anxiety starts to interfere with your daily life, it is a clear indication that seeking help is necessary. If you find it increasingly challenging to concentrate, maintain relationships, perform daily tasks, or engage in activities you once enjoyed, professional help can provide the necessary support and guidance to regain control and well-being.

• Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns, causing difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Persistent sleep disturbances can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and significantly impact overall emotional and physical well-being. If you are consistently experiencing sleep disturbances, seeking professional help can address the root causes and help restore healthy sleep patterns.

• Anxiety can lead to a desire to avoid or isolate oneself from triggering situations or environments. If you find yourself consistently avoiding social gatherings, public spaces, or activities that previously brought you joy due to excessive fear or anxiety, it may be time to seek help. Isolation and avoidance can perpetuate anxiety and make it harder to regain control without professional support.

• Anxiety can take a toll on relationships, leading to strain and conflict. If your anxiety is causing friction in your personal relationships or preventing you from forming new connections, seeking professional help can offer strategies to manage anxiety effectively and promote healthier interactions with loved ones.

Signs It’s Time to Get Help for Anxiety

Recognizing when you need help with anxiety is a vital step towards managing and overcoming its grip on your life.

Persistent and intense worry, physical symptoms, impairment in daily functioning, sleep disturbances, isolation, avoidance, and relationship strain are all signs that professional assistance is necessary.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards improving your well-being and building your own resilience.

Mental health professionals can provide tools, techniques, and support tailored to your specific needs, empowering you to navigate anxiety and regain control over your life.

Don’t hesitate to reach out; you don’t have to face anxiety alone.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.