Anxiety on the Rise
Over the last few years, society as a whole has experienced an ongoing pandemic, political turmoil, economic struggles and heightened tensions from overseas. Locally, in southwest Montana, these issues are felt just the same, as well as others.
Montanans have felt the economic changes through inflation at the local stores, rising housing costs and rising gas prices. Montanans also experience the ever growing number of tourists that visit the state in the summer months and the gloom of wildfire smoke at the end of each summer. All or some of these factors can lead to anxiety in our daily life. How do you know if you are experiencing anxiety? The first thing to do is review the symptoms you are experiencing (common symptoms listed below). The second is to check with you medical provider or primary medical professional about the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Last week the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced recommendations that doctors screen all patients under 65 for anxiety.
Since the onset of the pandemic, there have been increases in the number of people suffering from mental health problems. Anxiety is a strong indicator of mental health stress and can be common in most people.
People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear, or terror that reach a peak within minutes.
Common anxiety signs & symptoms include:
Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
Having an increased heart rate.
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating.
Trembling.
Feeling weak or tired.
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
Listed below is a link to a recent NPR interview with Host Michel Martin as she speaks with Dr. Danielle Carr about her recent essay in the New York Times, Mental Health Is Political.
