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| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents Introduction information copyright |
What is anxiety? Anxiety is the normal alarm system alerting us to danger! Anxiety provides energy to get things done, move through the day productively and keep safe. Sometimes anxiety gets out of control. A sense of dread or fear creeps over you. This may lead to generalized anxiety in which you experience excessive worries or fears intensely. This general anxiety may or may not be related to the initial trigger. Symptoms of anxiety include muscle tension, trembling, shaking, shortness of breath, pounding heart, increased heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness, irritability, sleep disturbance and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms of anxiety, if untreated, can lead to panic attacks especially if the veteran is exposed to something that reminds him of an experienced traumatic event. Panic attack symptoms are the same as anxiety but more intense and can mimic a heart attack! In addition the symptoms of feeling like choking, chills or hot flashes, numbness or tingling, chest pain and the word “panic” are mentioned by the person experiencing the event. Anxiety affects interpersonal relationships because the veteran may feel a loss of control of the environment. Anxiety is treatable. Talking with a counselor is the first step.
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What can I do about my anxiety?
The Key is not to let anxiety take over your life! Anxiety is difficult to treat but not impossible. Learn the triggers to your anxiety as a key to take back control. Again, talk to your counselor at the Vet Center or wherever you are getting support. You will be encouraged when you learn positive coping skills such as exercising regularly to get and stay healthy, avoid caffeine, learn and then practice relaxation breathing skills which may lower your heart rate, listen to calming music and find a relaxing hobby. Restructuring your life one step at a time can lower your anxiety; you will be amazed. Your counselor can help you determine if medication may be needed and refer you to the appropriate professional. It would be helpful to develop a written safety plan to have with you when anxiety is triggered. Eventually you will not feel the symptoms as much as you do now. Give yourself time-
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