Anxiety

What it can feel like

• A mind that keeps scanning for problems
• Racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or trembling
• Replaying conversations or needing repeated reassurance
• Avoiding places, people, driving, crowds, work, or social situations

What an evaluation considers

A clinician considers the focus and duration of fear, panic attacks, avoidance, trauma, caffeine and stimulant use, sleep, medical symptoms, medications, and functional impact.

First steps

Reduce excess caffeine, practice slow exhalation during physical surges, notice what you avoid, and seek care when anxiety is persistent, hard to control, or shrinking your life.