“When should you see a doctor about anxiety?”
I am a 33 year old male. I have had anxiety for 1-2 weeks. Will it go on its own? When should you see a doctor about anxiety?
3 Answers
It depends on the severity & how disruptive it is to your life. It also depends on whether the trigger is likely to endure or dissipate. The anxiety is more likely to subside if the trigger is short-lived.
The reason why you are feeling anxious is important in determining the duration of your symptoms. Seeking medical attention depends on how disruptive anxiety is in your daily life.
Anxiety, like depression, is both a natural "state" of life and an illness. Your decision making should be based on three criteria:
#1. Is the anxiety a direct result of a life circumstance, i.e. break up in a relationship, pending job evaluation, etc., or does it seemingly come out of nowhere?
#2. Is there a family history, i.e. do other family members suffer from anxiety?
#3. Is it getting better or getting worse?
Is it a bit more tricky? I like to use the analogy of a cold. We all wake up several times a year with a runny nose, sneezing, and perhaps coughing and generally feel like "sh-t." We don't run to our doctor...we realize we have a cold and will feel pretty badly for several days and it will pass on its own.
#1. Is the anxiety a direct result of a life circumstance, i.e. break up in a relationship, pending job evaluation, etc., or does it seemingly come out of nowhere?
#2. Is there a family history, i.e. do other family members suffer from anxiety?
#3. Is it getting better or getting worse?
Is it a bit more tricky? I like to use the analogy of a cold. We all wake up several times a year with a runny nose, sneezing, and perhaps coughing and generally feel like "sh-t." We don't run to our doctor...we realize we have a cold and will feel pretty badly for several days and it will pass on its own.
