If you’re feeling more anxious than normal, you’re not alone. Before the global COVID-19 pandemic, over 40 million adults struggled with anxiety. And anxiety isn’t a problem for adults alone — millions of children and teens also deal with anxiety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that a 2020 survey so far has revealed that over one-third of Americans now exhibit signs of anxiety and major depression. What’s more? Experts expect these numbers to rise as the pandemic continues.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety for years or it’s a recent development, the team of psychiatrists at Vital TMS Therapy offer help for patients in Washington, DC, and Chevy Chase, Maryland, who are struggling to manage their unease.
Here’s a look at five signs that it’s time to seek professional help for your anxiety.
1. You worry excessively
Everyone worries — especially now with the world turned upside down during the pandemic. But anxiety disorder takes normal worrying to the next level. Excessive anxiety hijacks your brain, giving you the sense that “something” or “everything” is wrong.
Without managing your anxiety disorder, it’s impossible to stop anxious thoughts — even when you try to use logical thinking or calming techniques. If you start each day with dread and a sense of impending doom, even if things are going well or normally in your life, it’s a sign that you need help managing your anxiety.
2. You’re feeling panicked
Do you feel like your heart is racing all the time? Some people with anxiety disorder notice an increased awareness of their heartbeat and pulse, which seem to pound out of control even when you’re not experiencing an immediate stressor.
In addition, unmanaged anxiety disorder can lead to panic attacks — intense feelings of shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and a tightness in your chest. If this describes you, it’s important to seek help from qualified professionals like the team at Vital TMS Therapy.
3. You’re having problems with sleep
Many people with anxiety only find relief while they sleep. This can sometimes cause them to sleep more than normal or seek ways to get more sleep. Anxiety can also create trouble falling or staying asleep. As such, many people with unmanaged anxiety struggle with insomnia.
When you have problems with your sleep, your physical and mental health suffer. If this describes you, you should turn to a professional for help.
4. You feel shaky
Anxiety frequently manifests physically. As with a racing heart and panic attacks, the physical side of anxiety can create a trembling or shaking that you can’t seem to control. If you feel unsteady on your feet because your legs feel wobbly or if your hands seem to shake for no reason, it’s time to get help.
5. You’re having trouble concentrating
Unmanaged anxiety can also affect your cognitive functioning, including your ability to concentrate or focus. Anxious thoughts are distracting, and dealing with the above symptoms can make difficulty concentrating worse.
If your anxiety is making it hard to focus and is negatively affecting your ability to carry out your daily tasks or work or school requirements, know that help is available to address your struggle with anxiety.
Professional help for anxiety
Many anxiety disorder patients find a combined treatment approach — medication and talk therapy — to be the most helpful. For others, however, these treatments aren’t enough to improve symptoms to a manageable level.
The psychiatrists at Vital TMS Therapy offer an alternative for patients with anxiety disorder: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS therapy uses magnetic energy to affect the behavior of neurotransmitters, which play an important role in mental health. TMS therapy is a noninvasive treatment without severe side effects.
The team at Vital TMS Therapy can help you in your struggle with anxiety. Call us at 202-335-4114 or request a consultation online.
