Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Symptoms and Seeking Help

Do I have an anxiety disorder?

In recent days, I've been experiencing sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat and inexplicable feelings of anxiety, even though there doesn't seem to be anything specific to worry about.
I also have headaches, sensations of skipped heartbeats, and palpitations, but I'm not sure if this is due to my recent lack of sleep.
I tend to overthink everything, from my emotions to death and the unknown, which leads me to panic and fear.
I thought I wasn't afraid of death, but perhaps I'm actually afraid of living.
Since June of last year, I've been living under a lot of pressure.
I keep pushing myself to stand up and keep going.
At the beginning of this year, things improved slightly, but gradually, a new wave of stress hit me, leading to the symptoms mentioned above.
To avoid sinking deeper, I've tried to not think too much, but the feelings of anxiety and rapid heartbeat haven't improved much.
I researched online and took some tests, which indicated that I have anxiety disorder, along with bloating, headaches, palpitations, and unwarranted tension.
I'm worried about things that are unlikely to happen, and I'm severely unable to concentrate; during my exams, I couldn't absorb a single word from the listening section.
I guessed my way through the entire test, but today, I feel okay, as if I have no problems at all.
Is this really the case? Is this feeling of being fine just temporary? Although I have many symptoms of anxiety, I still doubt whether I actually have an anxiety disorder.
As a student, I have limited time to see a doctor, so I need to confirm that there is a problem before I can schedule an appointment.
Thank you for your help, doctor.

Sha Ye, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/25

Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry

Hello, it seems that these discomforts are quite troubling for you.
Many of these conditions indeed align with anxiety states; however, certain physiological conditions (requiring blood tests) or substances used recently may also contribute to anxiety, so a more comprehensive evaluation is necessary.
Symptoms such as palpitations and rapid heartbeat should be handled with care.
It is advisable to first undergo an assessment by an internist or family medicine specialist.
If they determine that there are no underlying physical issues, you can then proceed to the psychiatry or psychosomatic medicine department for further evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2020/03/25

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could indeed be indicative of anxiety. The feelings of sudden heart palpitations, tension, headaches, and a sense of panic, especially when there seems to be no immediate cause for concern, are common signs of anxiety disorders. Additionally, your tendency to overthink and worry about various aspects of life, including death and the unknown, can further exacerbate these feelings.

Anxiety can manifest in many ways, and it often leads to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and even gastrointestinal issues like bloating. The fact that you mentioned feeling unable to concentrate during exams and experiencing a sense of dread or panic suggests that your anxiety may be affecting your daily functioning and academic performance.

It's important to recognize that anxiety is a legitimate mental health condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Many people experience anxiety at some point, especially in high-pressure environments like school. The pressures you’ve described, particularly since last June, seem to have compounded your stress levels, leading to the symptoms you are currently facing.

You mentioned that you have been trying to manage your anxiety by avoiding overthinking, but it seems that the underlying feelings of tension and panic persist. This is not uncommon; sometimes, simply trying to suppress anxious thoughts can lead to increased anxiety. Instead, it might be helpful to explore coping strategies that allow you to acknowledge and address these feelings rather than pushing them away.

Seeking professional help is a crucial step in managing anxiety. While it may seem challenging to find time as a student, mental health is just as important as physical health. Many schools offer counseling services that can provide support and guidance. A mental health professional can help you identify the root causes of your anxiety, teach you coping mechanisms, and, if necessary, discuss treatment options, including therapy or medication.

It's also worth noting that anxiety can sometimes be cyclical; periods of feeling okay can be followed by episodes of heightened anxiety. This fluctuation can make it difficult to gauge the severity of your condition. Therefore, even if you feel okay at times, it doesn't negate the need for support when you are struggling.

In conclusion, based on the symptoms you've described, it would be advisable to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide a proper assessment and help you develop a tailored plan to manage your anxiety. Remember, you are not alone in this, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Prioritizing your mental health is essential for your overall well-being and academic success.

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