Here is a definition of “ANXIETY”: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome
I believe all of us, at various times of our lives, have felt varying levels of anxiety. Frankly, it would be quite abnormal to NOT feel anxious under certain situations including:
- An upcoming test that we need to pass to graduate a school, obtain a promotion or some other positive outcome dependent on passing that test
- Waiting at home when our teenage children are out with other teenagers for the evening
- Waiting for a doctor to tell us the results of tests that were performed for worrisome symptoms that have been occurring
- Watching our favorite sports team compete in a game where a win is required to make the playoffs
The list of situations/scenarios that cause pretty much anyone to feel anxiety can go on and on and on.
When is anxiety deemed “not normal” and the person should go to a medical professional for evaluation? Here are some examples:
- The affected person is having physical manifestations of anxiety such as racing pulse, chest pains, dizziness and other symptoms consistent with panic attacks
- The anxiety is severe impacting the affected person’s daily functioning
- The anxiety is not being triggered by external/environmental causes
There are many people that suffer from life-impacting anxiety that have chemical imbalances as the major causation. Neurotransmitter imbalances such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are implicated. These people may be helped by prescription medications and/or medical cannabis to help balance these chemicals. For those that have anxiety rooted in past life experiences, therapy with a mental health specialist would be a recommended course of treatment.
Take a step back and self-evaluate whether anxiety is impacting your life. If the answer is “yes” please consider heading in for evaluation.
I am dating myself now (what a surprise, huh?) but for those Mel Brooks movie fans out there, remember his Hitchcock spoof, “High Anxiety”? Enjoy one of the most memorable parts of that very funny flick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heLBlQgMfo8
