Many
people struggle with some degree of anxiety from time to time and to a
point, that can be healthy. Worry is part of what makes us human, but
our bodies can only handle so much stress being in constant fight or flight
mode.
When
you notice this intense worry affecting your day-to-day life
and decisions, it’s time to seek help.
Don’t be afraid to talk about anxiety
Bringing
up the conversation of anxiety with your doctor might seem intimidating, but it
doesn’t have to be.
It’s
important to address your feelings, and your doctor’s office provides a very
safe environment to have that conversation. Know that although you may
feel there is a stigma associated with anxiety, it’s a very normal response to
fear and worry.
A lot
of people never bring it up with their doctor because they worry they’ll be put
on medication for the rest of their life, and this just isn’t the case.
Medication is one of many treatment options available to manage and treat
symptoms of anxiety, along with lifestyle changes and other natural approaches.
Don’t
be afraid to start the conversation with your doctor.
It’s
just important to bring it up and voice your concerns. That is the most
important thing: don’t be afraid to start the conversation with your doctor. It
can be as simple as saying, “Doctor I want to talk to you about how
I’ve been feeling lately…”
Your
doctor will likely want to talk about your work, spiritual life, relationships
and physical health — and how anxiety might be impacting those areas of your
life. Be prepared to also discuss your family history and personal history of
anxiety, depression or mood disorders, chronic
illnesses and other potential health concerns.
Know you’re not alone
Many
college students in particular experience high levels of anxiety,
but students aren’t the only group affected. People from all walks of
life, from children and teenagers to working adults and the elderly,
struggle with high levels of stress.
But
it’s important to recognize when the normal stresses of daily life have become
more than you can handle. If anxiety is causing you discomfort, or affecting
your day-to-day activities or relationships in any way, talk to your doctor.
Symptoms
of anxiety can include feelings of worry, stress, difficulty
sleeping and fatigue. If left untreated, anxiety can manifest
into physical symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, a choking
feeling, stomach pains, nausea, and muscle and joint aches.
These
should be evaluated as soon as possible, as they can be a sign of both anxiety
and depression. If you ignore your symptoms, you are more likely to experience
chronic medical issues, relationship problems, low self-esteem, depression,
chronic fatigue and other conditions.
How your doctor can help with anxiety
If
you’re looking for a natural approach to tackling your anxiety, regular
exercise, meditation, peer support, healthy sleep, balanced nutrition and deep
breathing are proven ways to alleviate anxiety. Your doctor can
also provide guidance on lifestyle changes and approaches in integrative
medicine that could lower your symptoms.
But if
adjustments to your lifestyle are not providing relief, your doctor may
prescribe medication such as a low-dose pill option to help regulate
neurotransmitters from the brain. This will balance your chemicals and
physiology, and can help you through a period of particularly high anxiety. If
you do decide to start taking a medication, you should speak with your
physician about the long-term impact and treatment plan beyond the period of
regular medication.
We
need to normalize the conversation about anxiety and stress.
We
need to normalize the conversation about anxiety and stress. Know that if you are dealing with
anxiety, there is nothing wrong with you — you’re simply human. You have
nothing to lose by bringing it up to your doctor.
https://scrubbing.in/how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-anxiety/
No comments:
Post a Comment