You should seek help from a doctor or mental health professional if:

• Anxiety interferes with your daily life, making it hard to work, study, or socialize.
• You experience panic attacks (intense fear with physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or feeling like you're losing control).
• You frequently feel anxious about things that others find normal or manageable.
• Fear or worry makes you start avoiding people, places, or activities.
• Anxiety causes physical health issues, like headaches, stomachaches, or sleep problems.

Do's:

• Talk to someone: Share your worries with friends, family, or a therapist.
• Practice relaxation: Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm your mind.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity reduces stress and improves mood.
• Follow a healthy routine: Get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet.
• Stay positive: Focus on what you can control and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Don'ts:

• Avoid alcohol and drugs: They can worsen anxiety in the long run.
• Don't isolate yourself: Reach out for help when needed.
• Please don't dwell on negative thoughts: Challenge them with facts or more positive thinking.
• Avoid excessive caffeine: It can increase anxiety levels.
• Don't skip meals: Low blood sugar can heighten anxiety.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have carefully gathered and synthesized information on this topic to provide valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from various reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. However, it's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personal consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For more details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

National Institute of Mental Health | Anxiety Disorders

World Health Organization (WHO) | Anxiety disorders

Mayo Clinic | Anxiety disorders - Diagnosis and treatment

Better Health Channel | Anxiety disorders

National Cancer Institute (.gov) | Definition of anxiety disorder