Feeling Anxious About Your Anxiety Symptoms?

It is estimated that a staggering one in six American adults suffer from some form of anxiety disorder every year. As a group, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent type of mental illness in the US. The majority of us, if we're truthful with ourselves, will confess to worrying for a while about something that has happened during our lives. Finally, however, this time of worry comes to a close. Unfortunately, there are many people whose entire lives are spent worrying which can, if not treated, create an anxiety disorder.

Although anxiety disorders are classified as a mental rather than a physical disorder, the symptoms of anxiety can reveal themselves physically and emotionally as well as psychologically. Anxiety disorders happen when we receive a warning message from our brain about a potential threat which is about to occur. Our bodies respond to this warning by creating higher levels of stress hormones and adrenaline to cope which, in turn, causes our hearts, lungs and other parts of our body to work faster. This is the classic "fight or flight" reaction.

The psychological symptoms of anxiety disorders include

* Inability to sleep
* Being easily irritated
* Wrath
* Lack of concentration
* A fear of going mad
* A feeling of being disconnected with reality and
* Not having the ability to control your actions.

The physical symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders include

* Abdominal uneasiness
* Looseness of the bowels
* Dry mouth
* Pounding heart
* Abnormal heartbeat
* Tightness and pain in the chest region
* Shortness of breath.
* Giddiness
* A need to urinate frequently and
* Problems swallowing.

In addition to these psychological and physical anxiety symptoms you may encounter a number of emotional symptoms such as

* A constant sense of uneasiness completely unrelated to your present situation.
* Anxiousness about a pressurized situation, such as a relationship or work.
* Anxiety about an disease, real or contrived.

It is almost certain that you suffering from anxiety disorder if:

* You suffer from some or all of the symptoms stated above for a prolonged or severe period of time.
* The feelings of anxiety come into existence when there is nothing dangerous or stressful to bring them about.
* These anxiety symptoms start to interfere with your everyday life and activities like work or social events.

Whilst you might believe that you may be suffering from the symptoms of anxiety it's always best to get your self-diagnosis confirmed by a reputable medical professional. The first time you experience anxiety your medical practitioner must be able to ascertain if your symptoms are a medical condition or if they are a mental problem. Once you have been diagnosed as suffering from an anxiety disorder, then treatment to cure or control your condition may begin.

If you are suffering from anxiety and, like me, prefer not to take medication unless absolutely necessary, then why not check out this excellent self help book for anxiety and OCD guide.