Identifying Anxiety and How to Address It

Understanding the condition and the options available for support is important.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder, which equates to more than 19% of the population. As reported by the World Health Organization, a 25% increase in global anxiety and depression is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more and more people experiencing anxious feelings or learning how to navigate these feelings, it is important to understand the condition and what options for support are available. Teresa Whitfield, RN, Director of Adult Behavioral Health, Northwest Specialty Hospital, an Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, explains what signs to look for and where to direct them to get help.

What are signs and symptoms that someone is experiencing possible anxiety?

Anxiety is a condition that can be caused by many different factors, which can vary from person to person. However, some common physical signs that you may experience with anxiety include:

  • Rapid heart rate
  • Sweatiness, especially in the palms and soles of the feet
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Muscle tension
  • Headaches
  • Sleep problems
  • Teeth grinding
  • Pins and needles in your limbs

Some other signs that are not physically felt can include:

  • Nervousness, restlessness or tenseness
  • Sense of impending danger, panic or doom
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Low mood
  • Dissociation from your life or self

Where can someone seek help if they are experiencing possible anxiety or other mental health disorders?

If you think you are experiencing anxiety, talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about potential resources. These can include community organizations focused on support options, therapists or psychiatrists, and other self-help resources.

If someone’s anxiety reaches a point where they are unable to function in their day-to-day lives, they may seek care at an inpatient facility to help manage their symptoms. Care can include medication, adjustments in medication, therapy or a combination to allow for the patient to regain a normal life balance.

Learn more about current behavioral health services at Northern Nevada Medical Center