Anxiety

Living with a chronic illness is stressful. It’s normal to feel worried or anxious at times. However, it’s important to seek treatment if anxiety becomes excessive. If symptoms of anxiety are interfering with your relationships, your ability to participate in your usual daily activities, or your sleep, this is a sign that you are likely to benefit from evaluation and treatment for anxiety.

Symptoms

Symptoms of anxiety include excessive worry and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety can also be a very physical experience that includes difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and dizziness.

Treatment

Treatment for anxiety can include medications, talk therapy, or both. Medications for anxiety include antidepressants, anxiolytics and other medications. Talk therapy may involve individual therapy or family therapy. Therapy may include developing new coping strategies and setting personal goals. Therapy also can provide support and encouragement for you and your family. You and your physician can choose which treatments suit you best.