How to Cope with Anxiety- Part 1: Overview and 10 Common Symptoms

For my next note series, I will be writing about a topic that is quite ubiquitous in our fast-paced American society.  Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental malady in the U.S.   You might be shocked to learn that 19.1 million adult Americans (ages 18-54) after affected with a form of anxiety disorder.  With millions of people suffering, the pharmaceutical industry has turned huge profits selling medications that temporarily solve the problem.  Xanax, Adavan, and Paxil are three anti-anxiety drugs that are a quick fix to a problem that needs real attention.  Today's note will identify and explain a few of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorders.  

It's normal to experience anxiety in some situations- before you speak publicly for example- but people who suffer from anxiety disorders go through daily symptoms that can be debilitating and interfere with every day life.  Although the list of symptoms associated with anxiety is quite long, the sufferers often are uneasy, apprehensive, and on-edge.  The clearest manifestation of anxiety symptoms are panic attacks.  A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense anxiety for no apparent reasons and it might include a feeling of being smothered, shortness of breath, trembling, hot flashes or chills, chest pain, fear of dying, nausea, and sweating.  

1. Smothering sensations and shortness of breath

The shortness of breath is one of the most distressing anxiety symptoms.  Anxiety sufferers feel as if their chest is not expanding enough to get the air your body needs.  I've heard the smothering sensation compared to the feeling of someone pushing a pillow into your face.  The important thing to remember is that these sensations are caused by exaggerated nerve impulses which means you are not at risk of suffocating or passing out.  

2. Racing heart and palpitations

Anxiety releases adrenaline into the blood stream and we all know that adrenaline makes your heart race rapidly.  Sometimes, you might feel as if your heart is missing beats which are referred to as palpitations.  Although this can be disconcerting and uncomfortable, an increased heart rate will not in itself harm you.

3. Chest Pain

Chest pains can cause you to feel extremely scared and they are caused by muscle tension.  If you do indeed have anxiety and you experience chest pains, chances are you are NOT dying of a heart attack.  Heart pain is very different and rarely starts in the chest.  I've found that deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation are three effective methods against these unwanted, unpleasant chest pains.  

4. Lump in throat and difficulty swallowing

The lump in the throat can be explained by muscles in the throat contracting due to stress or anxiety.  The difficulty swallowing is another harmless symptom, but it is very unpleasant. 

5. Sweating

Sweating is normal reaction and is designed to reduce body temperature.  As the body heats up, water is released through sweat glands.  During an anxiety attack or a period of anxiety, the body is preparing itself for a fight or a flight.  People suffering from anxiety sweat profusely until the anxiety subsides, then sweat levels return to normal.

6. Shaking or shivering

We all shake or shiver when we are nervous or cold.  Shaking is a normal reaction to fear or a drop body temperature.  During anxiety, shaking and shivering uncontrollably is normal and with proper treatment, it will pass.

7. Dry Mouth

As bodily fluids are diverted for use in other parts of the body during anxiety, the mount becomes dry.  Water is the most universal cure for a dry mouth and the dry mouth cannot harm you.

8. Insomnia

Not being able to sleep is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety.  Insomnia can be the most discomforting of all the symptoms because a lack of sleep affects brain functioning.  

9. Derealization and depersonalization

These are both symptoms which affect the way you experience yourself.  Derealization is the sensation the you and everything around you are not real or dreamy.  It might seems that you are seeing everything through a filter.  

10.  Brain Fog

Cognitive dysfunction (or brain fog) is defined as usually poor mental function associated with confusion, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.  It can be an overall lack of mental clarity.  Brain fog can cause an individual to be detached, forgetful and it can lead to discouragement and depression.