Think back to a time when you wanted to do your best, but something held you back. Maybe it was a big presentation, an important test or even a simple conversation. You knew what to say or do, but then your mind flooded with what-ifs. Your heart pounded, your hands felt clammy and suddenly, everything seemed overwhelming. Everyone has days like this. But when those days turn into weeks and “what if” becomes your default setting, it might be time for an anxiety evaluation.
Getting an anxiety screening is about understanding what’s happening and finding a way past it. In this article, look at how to spot the signs of anxiety, where to start if you have anxiety and what comes next.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety manifests as a sudden rush of fear and worry that can make everything else fade away. Most of us get anxious sometimes, and honestly, it’s perfectly normal. For example, before giving a big presentation or sitting for that final exam, most people are a nervous wreck. This kind of anxiety might actually help you stay sharp in certain situations.
However, for people with anxiety disorders, anxiety sticks around. It gets worse, not better, and starts affecting every area of your life.
Anxiety also shows up wearing different masks. You might encounter it as:
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Phobias
Symptoms of Anxiety
Scientists think certain areas of your brain and some biological factors affect how you feel fear and worry. While research continues to advance our understanding of this topic, you can help yourself by noticing when anxiety starts creeping in.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Being restless and having a sense of impending danger or doom
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Struggling to stop worrying about things
- Thoughts that keep spinning in your head
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Hands that feel cold or sweaty
- Heart palpitations
- Not being able to focus on anything except what’s bothering you
When anxiety starts affecting your quality of life, it’s time to ask for help. Getting an anxiety screening could tell you if what you’re going through is actually an anxiety disorder. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, having problems with people close to you or drinking/using drugs to cope, talk to your doctor right away.
Who Do You See About Anxiety?
Your first move toward an anxiety evaluation could just be talking to someone you trust. When it’s time to seek professional help, you can contact a:
- Primary care doctor. They’ll check your physical health first, make sure something else isn’t causing your symptoms and point you to specialists if you need them.
- Psychiatrist. These are medical doctors who know all about mental health and can write prescriptions if you need medicine. Your regular doctor might send you to one.
- Psychologist or therapist. They’ll sit down with you regularly to help you figure out why you think the way you do and teach you better ways to handle your anxiety.
You could also talk to a counselor at school, check if your job has any mental health programs or visit a community clinic. Lots of places offer affordable mental health services. If you’re stuck on who to call, websites like the Mental Health Hotline can link you up with good providers.
Standard Evaluations for Anxiety
If your doctor thinks you might have anxiety, they’ll probably send you to someone more qualified for a mental health diagnosis, though, they may choose to prescribe based on your symptoms. What many people don’t understand is that your sleep habits, friendships and how you handle everyday life tell a story about what’s going on inside your head. That’s why the psychiatrist or psychologist will dig into these parts of your life during your first visit.
They may use the Hamilton Anxiety Scale or Beck Inventory, which can help identify your symptoms and how much they’ve been affecting your quality of life.
After looking at your answers, your doctor will figure out if you have an actual anxiety disorder. Then, they can suggest treatments that might help your specific situation.
A Stronger You Begins With Asking for Support
If you’ve had several anxiety attacks, you know firsthand how they affect your everyday life, your relationships and sometimes what you want for your future. But help exists, and all you have to do is reach out.
Keep in mind that treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your doctor might suggest medications, talk therapy or a mix of both based on what you’re going through. While we can’t totally prevent anxiety disorders yet, getting help early can limit how much they disrupt your life. Finding a therapist who understands is often the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
Take the First Step Today
Anxiety affects millions of adults across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But you can get help. Mental Health Hotline works with trusted professionals nationwide to link you with care that fits your needs. Our team can provide immediate emotional support and guide you toward finding appropriate anxiety assessment resources, mental health diagnosis resources or therapist referrals.
Call us today to talk to someone who cares. Our line stays open all hours — morning, afternoon or middle of the night — whenever you need a person to listen and offer support.
