Do you have a constant feeling that something bad will happen or that something is wrong? Can't you enjoy the company of other people anymore? Are you absent-minded, unable to concentrate, and often have the urge to avoid the outside world? Does it feel like your life is slipping out of control? Are you irritable, scared, and unable to calm down? On top of all that, is your heart pounding like crazy, sweating, having trouble taking a normal breath, experiencing muscle pain, trembling throughout your body, feeling like you might faint or vomit in a moment? Then you might be suffering from anxiety...

Anxiety is another common mental disorder that manifests through various physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Among anxiety disorders, we can include OCD, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, agoraphobia, panic disorder, or even over 500 types of specific phobias. Diagnosing an individual with an anxiety disorder is not an easy task for doctors/psychologists/psychiatrists. Patients come to the offices of general practitioners with vague symptoms and various illnesses, which is why they are often referred for numerous tests, such as ultrasound, EKG, abdominal ultrasound, thyroid examination, etc. Once the general practitioner establishes a diagnosis, they may attempt to treat the anxiety disorder themselves; however, more often, the patient is referred for a specialized consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

How a psychologist can help:

- Diagnosing anxieties, determining the type of anxiety disorder, its severity
- Providing various forms of therapy (CBT, DBT, etc.)
- Working with the client to identify and change negative thought patterns
- Teaching different relaxation techniques to help reduce the feeling of anxiety
- Creating a safe and supportive environment
- Improving the ability to manage stress
- Developing specific plans and goals aimed at gradually coping with anxiety states
- And much more

It's important to realize that anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways, and each individual may have different combinations of symptoms. If you suspect anxiety, it's appropriate to seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can provide you with diagnosis and suitable treatment.