When to get help for anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotional experience that many individuals face at various points in their lives. It is characterised by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that can be mild or severe. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, excessive and persistent anxiety can interfere with daily activities and may require professional intervention. Understanding the nature of anxiety and recognising when to seek help from a psychiatrist can be crucial for effective management and recovery.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress and can be beneficial in some situations, such as avoiding danger or staying focused during a test. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can develop into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterised by excessive fear or worry.

Common types of anxiety disorders include:

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, or personal relationships.

• Panic disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, and feelings of impending doom.

• Social anxiety disorder: Intense fear of social situations and being judged or embarrassed in front of others. 

• Specific phobias: An intense and irrational fear of particular objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying.

Symptoms of anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can vary widely from person to person but often include both physical and emotional manifestations. Common symptoms include:

• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension 
• Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

Physical symptoms may also arise, such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.

When to see a psychiatrist

While mild anxiety can often be managed through lifestyle changes and self-care strategies, there are times when it is important to seek professional help. You should consider seeing a psychiatrist if:

• Your anxiety is severe and persistent: If your anxiety is affecting your daily life, work, or relationships and does not seem to improve over time, it may be time to consult a professional.

• You experience physical symptoms: Persistent physical symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headaches, should not be ignored as they may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

• You have panic attacks: Frequent and unexpected panic attacks are a clear sign that you should seek help.

• You avoid situations due to fear: If you find yourself avoiding social, work, or other situations because of intense fear or anxiety, a psychiatrist can help you develop strategies to manage these feelings.

• Self-help strategies are not working: If lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and other self-help methods do not alleviate your symptoms, professional intervention may be necessary.