We all experience anxiety in certain circumstances – we sometimes feel uneasy, nervous, worried or concerned about future possibilities. How do you know when you need the help of an experienced professional? The answer is when your anxiety is:

• Excessive, out of proportion to objective circumstances
• Out of your control
• Interfering with your daily functioning
• Causing you distress

Consider the following Checklist for Anxiety* During the past week, have you felt any of the following?:

• Nervous, jittery, anxious
• Dizzy, light-headed, or faint
• Short of breath; difficulty breathing; rapid breathing
• Pounding or racing heartbeat
• Sweating (unrelated to heat or exertion)
• Nausea or vomiting
• A lump in your throat
• Difficulty holding your urine
• Difficulty with balance, wobbliness
• Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, legs or face
• Jumpiness
• Shakiness
• Feelings of unreality
• Frequent alarm
• Fearfulness
  

  The more frequently and severely you experience the above symptoms, the more likely you may need professional help.
  
  After ruling out medical causes, psychotherapy with a trained, experienced professional can help you understand and manage your anxiety.
  
  If untreated, habitual anxiety can impair your health and your quality of life.

  * Adapted from Aaron Beck, M.D.