What is anxiety?
Most people will experience feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives. This feeling of intense worry or fear can range in severity and may be debilitating for some. Many people experience anxiety when put in stressful situations, but some also live with anxiety disorders that may require diagnosis and treatment.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Common symptoms of anxiety include:

Feelings of nervousness
A sense of impending danger
Increased heart rate
Sweating
A difficulty concentrating
Feeling unsafe when there are no obvious dangers

What causes anxiety?
Causes of anxiety vary from person to person and may be related to a mental health condition, stressful situations, drugs, alcohol, or a combination of these. Common mental health disorders that cause anxiety include panic disorders and generalized anxiety. Some medical conditions can also cause anxiety, including heart disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, COPD, and chronic pain. Anxiety can also be a side effect of some medications. Certain risk factors make individuals more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, such as living through trauma, experiencing chronic stress, and having close relatives with anxiety. Physicians should assess patients for any underlying medical conditions causing their anxiety.

How do you treat anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety typically involves psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both. It will likely take some trial and error to figure out what treatment regime works best for you. Some individuals can manage their anxiety by learning relaxation techniques such as breathwork and meditation. Regular exercise and other stress management techniques can help manage mild, everyday anxiety. Working with a therapist helps educate anxious individuals and figure out what types of relaxation techniques work best. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications. Prescription medications that help with anxiety include anti-anxiety medications or SSRIs.

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I’m 58 and was officially diagnosed with a learning disability in 2016 and ADD (without overt hyperactivity) in 2018. Where do I go from here?

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