Anxiety symptoms, treatment and health plan benefits

Feeling nervous sometimes is normal. If the feelings continue and cause problems with your job, school or relationships, it could be time to speak with a health care professional about anxiety. You can find a health care professional who specializes in treating anxiety and who is in your Blue Cross or Blue Plus health plan network by using our Find a Doctor tool. 

What are the signs of anxiety?

Symptoms may be extreme, mild or irregular. Look for one or more of these signs:

Emotional

• Feeling uneasy or fearful
• Feeling tired or irritable
• Always expecting the worst
• Difficulty concentrating

Physical

• Pounding or racing heart
• Shortness of breath
• Upset stomach
• People with anxiety may avoid situations that make them feel these symptoms. If the symptoms become severe, you may experience an anxiety attack, also called a panic attack.

What are the signs of an anxiety attack or panic attack?

An anxiety or panic attack comes on suddenly. The attack can be so severe that many people think they are having a heart attack. During an attack, these physical and emotional symptoms may occur:

• Pounding heart
• Sweating, trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Numbness or tingling
• Feeling of choking
• Chills or hot flashes
• Nausea or abdominal pains

How is anxiety treated?

Anxiety symptoms are easy to treat. Counseling and medications are common ways to treat anxiety. You can seek treatment from a:

• Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who talks about your symptoms with you and can prescribe medication if you need it.
• Licensed Mental Health Professional – Has either a Doctorate degree or Master’s degree such as psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors who will treat emotional and mental suffering, but typically cannot prescribe medication.

A primary care doctor can also discuss your symptoms and prescribe medications. Stress management, meditation and support groups can help manage symptoms of anxiety too.