Should I Talk With a Doctor About My Anxiety?

If you struggle with anxiety, you’re certainly not alone! According to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), almost 40 million people were affected by anxiety disorders during the past year.

So, if you do struggle with anxiety, when should you talk to a doctor or mental health professional about it? Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team has some answers, so read on.

What Are the Differences Between General Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders?

It’s normal to experience everyday anxiety, but if your feelings of intense worry and stress linger for six months or more and end up affecting your daily life, you might be dealing with an anxiety disorder.

We’ve listed some common symptoms of an anxiety disorder below.

Common Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

  • Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
  • Having an increased heart rate
  • Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
  • Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

When Should I Seek Medical Treatment for My Anxiety Disorder?

The general rule of thumb of when to talk to a medical professional about your anxiety is when, no matter what you do, those feelings won’t go away.

If you experience any of the situations below, talk to your doctor ASAP.

When to Talk to a Doctor

  • Your anxiety is harming your well-being. If you experience sleeping troubles, unexplained muscle aches and digestive issues, your doctor needs to know about them.
  • You have anxiety about more than one area of your life.
  • Your symptoms persist for more than six months.
  • Your symptoms significantly interfere with your daily life.

It can be tough to know when to approach a doctor about anxiety, but we hope you feel better informed about when to do so! Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team is here for you now and always, so don’t hesitate to reach out for any health-related questions.