All of us have had the experience of feeling some kind of anxiety - the list really is endless, as so many things in life can give us anxious moments.
However, knowing when to seek help is a question to consider if we are uncertain how serious the anxiety is.
When having a panic or anxiety attack, what to do next becomes a key question.
Most people have developed their own ways of coping with anxiety that works very well to help get over the hump and on with life.
The uncomfortableness that is associated with normal anxiety is considered helpful as it can be used to encourage us to study harder for a test, or remind us to be cautious when walking in a dark parking lot to our car.
4 Tips on Knowing When to Seek Help: 1) feelings of fright and dread are so severe that it upsets your daily routine and keeps you from living life as you would like 2) experiencing many symptoms of physical anxiety such as dizziness, shortness of breath, trembling, pounding heart, chest pain, swallowing difficulty 3) starting to avoid locations or situations where you have experienced a panic attack - this can become problematic as it starts to limit the choice of where to live or work, where to go for fun and enjoyment, or where to get medical help 4) your life becomes so confined that typical activities such as driving or shopping are avoided unless you are with a person you trust (close friend, spouse) Getting help should start with getting a medical checkup.
The doctor can then decide if the anxiety is caused by a medical problem such as asthma, hyperthyroidism, or a heart condition.
Your doctor may also inquire about any prescriptions, recreational drugs, herbal treatments, or over the counter medications you are taking - the reason for this is that anxiety can be caused by drug abuse and dependency, as well as side effects from medication.
Additionally, too much caffeine or amphetamine abuse can create symptoms that are similar to a panic attack.
When faced with having a panic or anxiety attack, what to do next is uppermost in your mind.
Once it is determined what is causing the anxiety, your doctor will be in a better position to find the best treatment available to help lessen the symptoms and allow you to regain control of your life.