View source for Anxiety and Stress(patient information)

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{{Anxiety and Stress(patient information)}}


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==Overview==
[[Stress]] can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, [[angry]], or nervous. [[Anxiety]] is a feeling of fear and worry. The source of these [[ symptoms]] is not always known.

==What are the symptoms of Anxiety and Stress?==
[[Stress]] is a normal feeling. In small doses, [[stress]] can help you get things done. Stress does not affect everyone the same way.

Many people feel stress symptoms in their body. You may be having pain in your abdomen, [[headaches]], and muscle tightness or pain.

When you are very stressed, you may notice:
* [[tachycardia|A faster heart rate]]
* Skipped heartbeats
* [[Rapid breathing]]
* [[Sweating]]
* [[Trembling]]
* [[Dizziness]]
* Other [[symptoms]] include:
** [[Diarrhoea|Loose stool]]s
** Frequent need to pee
** [[Dry mouth]]
** Problems [[swallowing]]
** You may have a harder time focusing, feel tired most of the time, or lose your temper more often. [[Stress]] may also cause [[sexual]] problems. It can also cause problems with falling or staying asleep and nightmares

==What causes Anxiety and Stress?==
Many people have stress when they need to adapt or change.

Examples are:
* Starting a new job or school
* Moving to a new home
* Getting married
* Having a child
* Breaking up with someone
* An injury or illness to you, a friend, or a loved one is a common cause of [[stress]]. Feelings of stress and [[anxiety]] are common in people who feel [[depressed]] and sad.

Some [[drugs]] may cause or worsen symptoms of stress.

These can include:

* Some inhaler medicines used to treat [[asthma]]
* [[Thyroid]] drugs
* Some [[diet pill]]s
* Some cold remedies
* [[Caffeine]], [[cocaine]], [[alcohol]], and [[tobacco]] products may also cause or make [[symptom]]s of [[stress]] or [[anxiety]] worse.

==Diagnosis==
Your [[Doctor's lady|doctor]] will want to know what [[Medicines Act|medicines]] you are taking. Your doctor will also want to know if you use [[alcohol]] or [[drugs]]. You will have a [[physical exam]] and maybe some [[blood test]]s.

Your doctor may refer you to a [[mental health]] care provider. You can talk to them about your feelings, what seems to make your stress better or worse, and why you think you are having this problem.

Sometimes, [[medicine]]s may help treat your [[symptoms]].

==When to seek urgent medical care?==
Call a [[suicide]] hotline if you have thoughts of suicide.

Reasons you may want to seek more help are:

* You have feelings of [[panic]], such as [[dizziness]], [[rapid breathing]], or a racing [[heartbeat]].
* You are unable to work or function at home or at your job.
* You have fears that you cannot control.
* You are having memories of a traumatic event.
* Do not stop taking any prescribed [[Medicines Act|medicines]] without talking to your doctor.

==Treatment options==
What relieves [[stress]] is not the same for everyone. Making certain lifestyle changes is the best start.

*Start with eating a well-balanced, [[healthy]] diet as well as getting enough [[sleep]] and [[exercise]], Also, limit [[caffeine]] and [[alcohol]] intake and don't use [[nicotine]], [[cocaine]], or other street [[drugs]].

*Finding healthy, fun ways to cope with [[stress]] helps most people. You can learn and practice ways to help you relax. Find out about [[yoga]], [[tai chi]], or [[meditation]].

*Take breaks from work. Make sure to balance fun activities with your job and family duties. Schedule some leisure time every day. Spend time with people you enjoy, including your family.

*Try learning to make things with your hands, playing an instrument, or listening to music.

*Think about what might be giving you [[stress]]. Keep a diary of what is going on when you have these feelings.

*Then, find someone you trust who will listen to you. Often just talking to a friend or loved one is all that you need to feel better. Most areas also have support groups and hotlines that can help.

*Ask your health care provider if any [[drugs]] or [[Medicines Act|medicines]] you are taking can cause [[anxiety]].

==Where to find medical care for Anxiety and Stress?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Condition}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Anxiety and Stress]
==Sources==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003211.htm

[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Primary care]]
[[Category:Psychiatry]]

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