Should You Seek Professional Help for Your Anxiety?

The rise of modernization created a convenient life, allowing people to connect through the latest technology. But how ironic is it than in these modern times where it’s so easy to connect with someone only, so many are struggling with their mental health that they feel isolated and depressed? In effect, you start to worry a lot, your stress levels increase, and slowly, this feeling takes the reign in your life.  When does anxiety become too much? When should one seek professional help?

Below is a list of indications you may need to seek professional help as you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder:

You constantly worry.

Yes, one does worry — who doesn’t? You worry at home, at work, in a relationship, as a parent, as a son or daughter, etc. But if your worry is getting in the way of your decision making or if you tend to blow things out of proportion with irrational reasoning, it is time to reach out for help. This is a sign that you need to talk to a professional.

You lose interest in hobbies or activities.

One thing you have to look out for is when you don’t find interest in the things that used to spark joy for you. Like for example, you used to enjoy traveling. All of a sudden you find yourself not having the energy for it and instead you hole up in your home. It might also leave you wanting to no longer speak up.

You fear public speaking.

You have an obligation to do a presentation at work but suddenly you backed out. If the reason is that you feel afraid to talk in front of your colleagues or in front of other people, in general, you might need some help. Bailing out from a task you are obligated to do is a sign that you need to see a professional soon.

You isolate yourself.

You feel alone so you isolate yourself from the people you used to know and spend time with. This is a clear sign that your anxiety is becoming more serious.

You suffer from panic attacks.

In a nutshell, a panic attack is an intense feeling of fear about a certain situation or circumstance. It is often marked with shortness of breath, uncontrollable trembling, increased heart rate, and lightheadedness.  If you constantly have panic attacks that lead you to an emergency room but with no diagnosed medical issues, it is the time to see a therapist.

You don’t like going to public places.

Panic attacks can happen anytime and anywhere. People who have panic attacks often feel discomfort with just the idea of going to public spaces and thus become reclusive because of the fear that another attack might happen. Panic attacks when left untreated is the biggest symptom of anxiety that requires immediate professional attention.

You don’t feel good physically.

For some people, anxiety appears to be an experience of physical distress. Restlessness, when you appear or speak to people, is another sign, too.  You may suffer from muscle tension which is also one symptom of anxiety disorder.

You are becoming more dependent on your partner.

It is normal to feel dependent on your partner. But if you are constantly seeking assurance to the point that it becomes unhealthy for the relationship, yet you create a barrier to keep you away from each other, then, it’s a clear indication that you are in need of help and support.

You always suspect something is off.

When you feel there is something wrong in everything you do, or worse you feel that something is wrong with you, that is a solid indication you really need to talk to a therapist.

A day or two suffering from stress and anxiety is OK; you may just need time to relax and unwind to get yourself out of the rut. However, if you have been feeling anxious for over 2 to 5 weeks already, you need to address that you may have a problem and seek help from a psychologist immediately.

Don’t ignore these symptoms just because you feel you have to do it alone, or you are worried about what other people might think. You shouldn’t put yourself at risk and understand that there should be no shame in seeking help. There is always someone who is willing to listen. You are not alone. Never forget that.