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Question by : What are the signs/symptoms of having anxiety attacks?
My life’s been extremely stressful lately and my family seems to think that I’m having anxiety attacks. How do I know this is the case?

Best answer:

Answer by DiVa
Anxiety can be caused by stress. Everyone experiences anxiety or panic attacks differently and in different intensities. Some people feel overwhelmed, some get angry, some get scared or feel a sense of impending doom, some become controlling, some cry for no apparent reason. Usually a psychologist can help you to know if you are experiencing any of these things due to anxiety or panic attacks.

Medication is beneficial but if you use it, remember to taper off of it when you feel in control again because suddenly stopping these meds can cause extreme anxiety and panic attacks. Don’t use recreational drugs or alcohol to deal with this problem because it will make matters worse. Self-medication is never the answer.

More importantly, try to pinpoint the cause of your anxiety and see if you can eliminate it or reduce how it is affecting you. Some things can and can’t be changed but you can change the way you deal with it – maybe by getting some help from others or possibly talking with a friend or counselor. Journaling and writing down your thoughts on paper is very helpful to express your feelings and get them out in the open, often reducing the affects of anxiety and helping you to see ways to resolve issues.

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