I must caution you before you read this article that this is not meant to replace the advise of a health care provider and should not be used as such. If you have any of the following symptoms or concerns seek help.
Anxiety Defined
Anxiety can be very crippling for many individuals. It can lead to many doctors visits and much time off from school or work. Anxiety can cause one to be avoidant and often lead to other mental health disorders such as depression.
Before one can really appreciate how anxiety can impact an individual, one needs to understand how it is clinically defined. Anxiety is clinically defined as excessive worry (that is difficult to control) occurring more days than not, regarding several events or activities. The anxiety is deemed clinically relevant when it impedes your activity of daily living in any way shape or form, thus causing distress, and cannot be explained by other diagnosis’ or diseases. In other words, it is your health care team’s job to investigate your symptoms and determine if they can be explained by any other means i.e. heart racing due to arrhythmia.
Below I have provided some surprising yet possible signs and symptoms of anxiety. Look out for them, and if you feel that this may be you seek help (also provided below).
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Avoidance behaviors
- Avoidance of activities may be subtle
- Limited interpersonal relationships
- Procrastination
- Non-assertive in new situations
- Emotional
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Dread
- Insomnia
- Exaggerated startle response
- Easily distracted and Unable to concentrate
- Scanning or vigilance
- Musculoskeletal
- Muscle twitching
- Restlessness
- Shakiness
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or tension
- Numbness
- Cardiopulmonary symptoms
- Racing Heart
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing especially with exertion
- Chest pain
- Sweating palms
- Cold palms
- Excessive sweating
- Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary symptoms
- Choking sensation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn or GERD
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Neurologic symptoms
- Dizziness
- Light headedness or faintness
- Headaches
- Tremors
Seek Help
Many different resources are available within a community to help those struggling with anxiety. I have chosen to focus on my community in general, but many of these can be transferred between counties. Many of the organizations below may seem irrelevant, but it can be relevant depending on the cause of your anxiety.
- Any health care provider on your “personal team” i.e. your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner, counsellor, psychiatrist etc.
- Canadian Mental Health Association Woodstock Branch: 519-539-8342 or 1-877-339-8342
- Oxford Domestic Assault Review Team: 519-421-0383
- Addictions Services via Woodstock and area community health center: 519-673-3242 ext 222
- Addictions Services of Thames Valley: 519-673-3242
- Kid’s Help Phone: 1-800-668-6888
- Domestic Abuse Services Oxford: 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
- Rape Crisis – Domestic Abuse Services Oxford: 519-539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
- Al-Anon Woodstock: 1-888-425-2666
Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.
Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!