For the past few days, I have been experiencing periods of breathing, fatigue and general pain. Any regular time, I spend this as part of myself a common anxiety disorder. But now, with our current location of metals, there COVID-19 symptoms– The freshness of the air, especially – with the focus on our heads, is not difficult for us to reach conclusions. If you have experienced anxiety yourself, then you know that this is what leads to the soul: adjusting to something and being more active about it, all while thinking that the worst effects are about to happen.
Is that air pressure a worrying attack, or a virus outbreak? Is it that fatigue is the result of not being able to sleep last night because of my busyness, or something it's bad? And is this a pain because I always squeeze every muscle in my body in a constant fight or flight situation, or some other kind of symptom? If it was just one coronavirus symptom it would be one thing, though three?
I was the logical person that was in writing about mental health and coronavirus churches currently; I can certainly tell the difference between the anxiety disorder I have had since I was young and the global epidemic. But that's the thing about anxiety – it makes you question everything, while your brain sends your body the message that you're in imminent danger. And if I had this question, other people might have. So, as a community service (with a few attempts to cover the air), I spoke with three psychologists on how to tell the difference between symptoms of panic attacks, general anxiety and COVID-19, and when to seek medical attention.
Worrying about panic attacks
Before introducing the coronavirus, let's talk about what panic attacks actually are. "A panic attack can occur without warning. They are just beginning and can happen at any time or place," Dr. Zlatin Ivanov, a psychologist who works in New York City tells Lifehacker. "A panic attack is triggered by a panic attack, causing a sensation in the body when there is no real danger." According to Cleveland ClinicSymptoms of panic attacks include:
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Perspiration
- To tremble or tremble
- I think he may be in a hurry
- Dizziness
- Expensive or excessive heat
- Nausea
- Fear that you are dying or losing control of your mind
- Power
- The feeling that what is happening around you is not real
So what is the difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks? As Cleveland Clinic puts it: "An anxiety attack is not a thing, at least not according to the medical profession. It's the name of the stage of panic attacks." (If you suffer from panic attacks, we have a helpful video on how to use it.)
If you have ruled out a panic attack, what about the unwanted symptoms and then they go away, but they do away with you slowly under the weight of fear and despair? That anxiety, and it comes with symptoms of its own, including breathing; chest tightness; rapid heart rate, sweating; occasional burning or burning sensation; headaches and tremors, Ivanov explains. In addition, general anxiety can also be triggered difficulty sleeping, fatigue, muscle weakness in some cases, and stomach problems. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety symptoms can stick around for a long time. For example, sometimes I will have a few anxious hours because of growing anxiety. At times, a chronic, overwhelming feeling can last for weeks or months at a time.
Anxiety, panic attacks or COVID-19 symptoms?
Okay, let's break this down. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), common symptoms of CCIDID-19 are respiratory, fever and cough. Emergency warning signs – which means you should seek medical help immediately – include trouble breathing, pain or chest pain, new confusion or inability to cut, and black lips or face, CDC reports. If you feel a slight sensation about the symptoms of panic attacks, it is not good. "The breath of air from COVID-19 and the attack (shock) can bring about the same," Dr. Dion Metzger, a psychologist who works in Atlanta, Georgia tells Lifehacker. "This is what makes the trick."
Here are a few things that will help you figure out what to do next.
Do you have any other clues?
Although shortness of breath is one of the most talked about symptoms of COVID-19, Ivanov points out that it is important to pay attention to whether he has any other symptoms. “Apart from breathing, coronavirus symptoms also cough and fever,” he explains. "They can appear anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure."
If a person has difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest – or for a long time – but no cough is associated with those symptoms, then this may be a concern because of the high pressure level, Ivanov said. “While the symptoms of COVID-19 should also include coughing and fever. The virus affects the lungs and respiratory tract. Anxiety affects the whole body. ”(More on that in a minute.)
Do you often feel anxiety and / or panic attacks?
If you are an old pro who suffers from periods of anxiety or panic attacks, then Dr. W. Nate Upshaw, psychiatrist and medical director NeuroSpa TMS says you should know how these symptoms feel and you already have a plan to deal with them. "If your symptoms feel normal, and you do not have any other COVID-19 medical indications such as fever, cough, or feelings of fatigue, it may be a concern and should be resolved with your regular intervention," she tells Lifehacker.
Do you have shortness of breath, but don't feel anxious?
People with shortness of breath due to severe medical problems often do not have the usual symptoms of panic attacks, and can sometimes feel very anxious, Upshaw explains. "They are clearly worried that their breathing is paralyzed, but they do not have any other symptoms of panic attacks such as anxiety, withdrawal and the fear of death," he said. "Believe it or not, most people who are inspired by health issues will not focus on anxiety. Most people with shortness of breath will tell you they are worried."
When the symptom is caused by treatment, there will be no apparent relief with the techniques that reduce anxiety.
Is there anything that helps with your breathing?
If you experience shortness of breath or stiffness in your chest, Metzger says you pay attention to what – if anything – helps to relax you. “For example, if deep breathing helps you to reduce your breathing associated with anxiety, it should be more active,” she explains. "If the symptom is caused by treatment such as difficulty breathing with COVID-19, there will be no apparent relief from anxiety reduction techniques such as ventilation or breathing techniques." So the key here, Metzger says, is not how emotional agitation expresses itself, but that it can be relaxed.
Use the & # 39; head-to-toe method & # 39; assessing your anxiety and symptoms
Symptoms of anxiety have definitely increased since the onset of COVID-19 monitoring, Metzger said. To help teach her patients about the symptoms of anxiety, she uses her “head to toe” approach:
He explains: “Anxiety can affect us from head to toe – which means we can have headaches, shoulder stiffness, stomach ups and toes. "Don't be surprised if you see these symptoms, as this response is worrying as people respond to the epidemic."
When should you seek treatment?
The first time I was fully panic attacks, I went to the emergency clinic because I thought I had a heart attack and was dying. But now, given the severe difficulties in hospitals and other medical facilities due to coronavirus outbreaks, it is not easy (or safe). “It is important to get rid of any shortness of breath due to anxiety before going to the ER, because you do not want to be at risk of contracting the virus unnecessarily,” explains Metzger. “The ER is one of the most dangerous places to go for this disease. I encourage all patients to go to the ER when absolutely necessary, and this is done with children. ”And you don't want to take beds or space away from other patients who need it most.
However, if a person develops physical symptoms of anxiety (whether or not they have a legitimate disease) including breathing, and are concerned that it may be related to a medical problem such as COVID-19, Upshaw recommends a doctor's examination. “That's the only way to find out,” she says. "Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 epidemic, seeking medical attention runs the risk of being exposed, so the patient may want to see if they can get a medical examination by telemedicine. Their primary care physician should inform them if possible. go to the ER or call 911. ”
Ignore your mental health
But just because these symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks may not be COVID-19 symptoms, doesn't mean they aren't health concerns that deserve your attention right now. "I encourage everyone to use this time to reach out to their doctor if the symptoms of anxiety are so severe that they cannot work, sleep or eat," Metzger said. “There are medicines that can help ease this anxiety at this time of uncertainty right now. This is the time to hit the emergency button and reach out to your doctor for a break. ”Also, the telehealth options here are better.
It's all still hard there now. And if you are a person who is experiencing more anxiety or stress than usual, know that you are not alone.
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