Anxiety

As COVID-19 restrictions keep you in your home; fear of going outside because of the pandemic or the civil unrest that is affecting about every major city in the US becomes a real issue. We see so much misinformation in the mainstream news and social media.

First, the “experts” want you to stay at home, then its OK to go out. Then these experts say you do not need to wear a mask, then you need to wear a mask. Then they say wear a face covering, then only certain masks will work, then no masks will work, then any mask will work.

The experts say you cannot get sick from someone unless they are symptomatic, then you can get sick from anyone. Children are not affected, then they are. Children cannot spread the virus, then they can, then they are not sure.

Now people being assaulted just because they are of a different color, creed, religion, or sex. Fear of losing your job or running out of money before the end of the month. It is no wander you are feeling a bit anxious.

Everyone has experienced anxiety at some part of their life. You may have felt anxious before taking a test, when making a critical decision, or simply hearing more and more about COVID-19. This will usually pass quickly and does not pose a long-term problem. But what about those times when you cannot shake “that feeling.” For a person who is experiencing an anxiety disorder, these feelings do not simply go away; they only get worse over time. As these feelings become more profound, they can interfere with work, school, relationships, and many other areas of your life.

The American Psychiatric Association (2013) established clinical guidelines to help professionals identify long term illnesses or disabilities with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 describes some of these feelings that include restlessness, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, being irritable, uncontrolled feeling of worry, and sleeping problems. Anxiety disorders may differ from mild to more severe. This feeling of anxiety may typically lasting more than six months (DSM-5).

Since these symptoms may be mild and difficult to see within yourself, it is important to listen to your family and closest friends. Maybe you have been asked, “what is wrong?”, or “is everything ok?” Typically this is only a person who is close to you expressing concern over a change in your behavior. Though it can often times only be temporary, it is important to listen to them. It is also equally important that you seek immediate help when you feel like you are out of control, scared, or experience any of the feelings described above that have a negative impact on your life from a licensed and experienced professional. Untreated or undiagnosed, anxiety can lead to more severe problems.

So, what can you expect?

The first professional many people seek help from is their primary care physician (PCP). OK, let’s be realistic. The first-place people go when they are “not feeling good”, today, is the internet. Please, do not try to self-diagnose or diagnose a loved one. This can have potentially drastic and negative consequences. Often the next step is “self-medication”. This can be in the form of alcohol, abuse of over the counter medications, abuse of prescribed medications, or illegal street drugs. These may provide some temporary relief from anxiety, but almost always lead to more significant problems making the anxiety even worse. This is when many people finally decide to see the primary care doctor. The doctor may prescribe anxiety medication, recommend therapy, refer you to a psychologist, refer you to a psychiatrist, or all of the above. What are some steps you can take?

Mild or temporary anxiety can be relieved by exercise, spending time with a loved one, or even just spending time with your favorite “furry friend”. Mild exercise has been shown to help relieve anxiety. This comes in the form of a walk, jog, riding your bicycle, or any activity you love to do that can increase your heart rate. As with any physical activity or work out, please consult with your doctor first. An evening with your significant other, such as dinner, a movie, or just some quiet time, can help as well. Take the kids and your pet for a walk or to the beach, if you are able. Another suggestion is to stop watching the news and leave social media alone. These two make up the most significant stressors in people’s daily lives today. What ever you decide to do, just get up, get outside, and get active.

Ok, so you are active, taking the dog for a walk, trying to have some quiet time at home; but you still feel anxious. This is the time to see your family doctor. Set up an appointment and be honest with the doctor; and yourself. If your doctor feels you need more specialized care, he/she will send a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a social worker. Each of these highly trained specialists will work with you to help gain some control back of your life.

Remember, it is your life; you are in control. No one can tell you what to do, or what not to do, it is your choice. Make the right decision and do not be afraid to confront your fears.

I will leave you with this thought;

“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” - Deepak Chopra

SOURCES:

American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Publishing. Washinton, DC.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved on 6/20/20 from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml