How to Recognize an Anxiety Symptom

Anxiety is part of daily life, a result of experiencing new or unfamiliar events, places and people. Situations arise every day that can test our nerves, and some thrive on that feeling of being 'on the edge'. For some, an anxiety symptom sharpens other senses and causes a hyper-alert state of mind which helps many get through their day. For others, such an anxiety symptom is not only unwelcome, it's alarming and to be avoided at all costs.

For those that aren't looking for a 'rush' of adrenaline and hypersensitivity, anxiety is serious business. But how do you differentiate an anxiety symptom from mere uncertainty or worry? Anxiety is more than the feeling that your stomach is completing somersaults. It goes beyond the sweaty palms and increased heart rate. Anxiety can cause feelings of dread and danger, which are perfectly normal under many circumstances, such as when a car honks at you, you fall, or when someone frightens you. These reactions are inbred and there's nothing you can do about them. It's an ancestral reaction that is called the 'fight or flight' response. However, experiencing feelings of anxiety when your physical being isn't threatened and there's no real need for emotional fear is an anxiety symptom.

Some key anxiety symptom clues to consider when asking yourself whether or not you're having an 'anxiety episode' or an anxiety attack are discussed below. Remember that people feel and react to different situations in different ways, but perhaps these key factors will help you determine where you fall in the 'anxiety' scale.

To determine if what you're feeling is an anxiety symptom, ask yourself if you feel this way most of the time or if this is an isolated event. Do you have pain in your chest accompanied by either pain or tingling in the arm, jaw or neck, dizziness or shortness of breath? If so, you may be having a heart attack and should immediately seek medical attention at an Emergency room. If you don't experience these symptoms but are taking prescription medications or drugs, you may be having a reaction to the drugs, either legal or illegal, and are not experiencing an anxiety symptom. If you're not taking any meds, have you recently quit smoking, drinking or taking drugs? If your answer is yes, you may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms. If not, are you experiencing palpitations, protruding eyes, sweating or swelling in the neck and or intolerance to heat? If so, you may have a thyroid problem and should see your doctor.

After narrowing down your response to these possible reactions to an anxiety symptom and if you answered no to the last question, you may be suffering from some sign of general anxiety. Another anxiety symptom is frequent sighing. If this sense of anxiety has prevented you from continuing normal, every day functions, you may want to see your doctor about methods of treatment for General Anxiety Disorder. This will allow the doctor to rule out hormone fluctuation. As with any anxiety symptom that is not typical or normal for you, listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

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