About this topic
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear over something. You may feel on edge or tense. It is a normal response to stress or new situations. Anxiety becomes a problem when it lasts for a long time, is very strong, or keeps you from performing your normal activities. Anxiety may affect your family, friends, work, or school life. You may have problems with sleeping, eating, and overall health. If it becomes a long-term illness, anxiety needs treatment. Anxiety happens in many forms, like:
- Being scared all the time that something bad is going to happen. This is general anxiety.
- Strong bursts of fear with physical signs that may feel like a heart attack. This is called a panic attack.
- Upsetting thoughts that happen often. There is a need to repeat certain rituals to help get rid of the anxiety caused by these thoughts. The thoughts or actions may be about checking on things, touching things, or worry about germs. This is an obsessive " compulsive disorder.
- Strong fear of an object, place, or condition. This is a phobia.
- Fear of being badly judged or put down by other people. This is social anxiety.
- Nightmares, flashbacks, staying away from people, or having panic attacks when reminded of a shocking or hurtful situation. This is post-traumatic stress.
Anxiety disorder may be treated in many ways. Some kinds of treatment have you talk about your beliefs, fears, and worries. You may learn how certain thoughts or feelings can raise anxiety. You may also learn what steps to take to lower anxiety. Other kinds of treatment may have you look back on a hurtful event, sad memory, or feared object. The doctor will help you deal with the feelings that may come up. You may learn skills to cope with unwanted events or thoughts by facing your fears in a safe setting.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk with family and friends about your anxiety and how to help.
- Your doctor may suggest therapy. This is important to help you learn more about your anxiety. You may also learn ways to cope with your feelings.
- Your doctor may suggest you join support groups. You may get to know other people who have coped with anxiety.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to help the physical signs of anxiety.
Will physical activity be limited?
You may take part in physical activities. Some people are limited because of their anxiety or fear. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat a variety of healthy foods and limit drinks with caffeine. You should avoid alcohol, energy drinks, and over-the-counter stimulants.
What problems could happen?
If your anxiety is not treated, it can result in:
- Staying away from work or social events
- Not being able to do everyday tasks
- Keeping away from family and friends
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Learn to manage stress. Use relaxation methods like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation. Things like yoga and tai chi are also good.
- Learn what events, people, or subjects upset you. Limit your contact with them.
- Express your feelings. Talk to someone who can help you see how your thoughts in certain situations may raise your anxiety.
- Seek support from your friends and family. Find someone who calms you down. Ask if you can call them when you are getting anxious.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Hard to breathe, even if you are at rest
- Chest pain
- If you do not feel safe or you cannot be alone
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these:
- I can tell you about my condition and the drugs I need to take.
- I can tell you what may help lower my anxiety.
- I can tell you what I will do if it is hard to breathe or I have chest pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I do not feel safe or cannot be alone.
Where can I learn more?
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety
National Institute of Health ¢ Senior Health
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/anxietydisorders/aboutanxietydisorders/01.html
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/complete-index.shtml
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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Copyright © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc.