By Angelina Liu
New school year signifies new beginnings. Although this prospect may be exciting for some, it can be overwhelming at times for people who suffer from anxiety disorders.
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with anxiety disorders have frequent, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. This often means episodes of intense anxiety and fear that typically reach a peak, otherwise known as having a panic attack.
There are several types of anxiety disorders. The most common being general anxiety disorder. Contrary to popular belief, all anxiety is not the same, and anyone of any gender or age can suffer from anxiety. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms can range from feeling restless to having headaches, muscle aches, and pain.
In order to diagnose an anxiety disorder, reach out to a primary care provider and ask them to check for signs of an underlying medical condition. From there, your provider could give you a psychological evaluation which involved discussing thought, feelings and behavior and comparing your symptoms to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
It’s important to seek a professional rather than self diagnosing. According to Highland Springs Speciality Clinics, self diagnosing is the process of identifying a medical condition in yourself. Self diagnosis can be dangerous as it can cause you to identify the incorrect illness. For example, a headache is a general symptom ranging from the possibilities of a brain tumor to dehydration.
It’s important to seek help if you suffer from anxiety. Not only can it provide comfort, but if left untreated anxiety disorders can have severe consequences. There are many ways in which anxiety can be treated, whether it be therapy or medication.
