Ask The Expert

ASK THE Stress EXPERT

ARIZONA STRESS & ANXIETY RELIEF ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Q. What are the symptoms of stress individuals with extreme stress and and anxiety? anxiety procrastinate and are unable A. Symptoms vary but may include to complete even the smallest of tasks fatigue, low mood, anxious feelings, or projects. Other symptoms may also panic, isolation, irritability, racing occur and vary from person to person. thoughts, pounding heart, and changes An individualized evaluation done in appetite. These symptoms can be by a stress and anxiety specialist will life altering and may diminish your help identify your specific symptoms. quality of life and your ability to enjoy Many people ask the difference your interests. Stress and anxiety may between stress and anxiety. Stress is also make you feel overwhelmed or incapable of making clear decisions. These conditions may also result in the inability to concentrate. Many not considered to be a clinical or mental health disorder but rather a condition or state of being. However, anxiety can be diagnosed as a clinical/mental health disorder and can run in families and be attributed partially to genetics. Both conditions are treatable with high success rates when a professional who specializes in stress and anxiety ” “ Studies show that up to 75 percent of physician visits are related to stress.

ARE YOU STRESSED?

DEPRESSED?

DO YOU FEEL LIKE

YOU’RE A MESS?? STOP TALKING TO YOURSELF, START TALKING TO ME!

COUNSELING • COACHING • CARING DR SONIA - THE AZ STRESS DOC AZ STRESS & ANXIETY RELIEF

1825 E NORTHERN AVENUE, STE 135-C PHOENIX AZ 85020 (p) 602.218.6485 (e) choosejoydaily1@gmail.com

MY OFFICE, YOUR HOME, OR ON THE GO THE STRESS DOC BRINGS RELIEF TO YOU

is involved. This HOW STRESS & ANXIETY AFFECTS YOUR BODY specialist is trained in teaching you the necessary coping skills to manage your symptoms. BRAIN Di culty concentrating, anxiety, depression, irritability, mood, mind fog SKIN Hair loss, dull/brittle hair, brittle nails, dry skin, acne, Q. How does stress CARDIOVASCULAR delayed tissue repair affect my body? A. Studies show that up to 75 percent of Higher cholesterol, high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke GUT Nutrient absorption, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, physician visits are bloating, pain and discomfort related to stress. Stress affects everyone in different JOINTS & MUSCLES Increased infl ammation, tension, aches and pains, REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Decreased hormone ways. It can cause muscle tightness production, decrease in libido, headaches, stomach increase in PMS symptoms problems, insomnia, high blood pressure, IMMUNE SYSTEM Decreased immune function, lowered immune defenses, higher risk for heart increased risk of becoming problems, increased ill, increase in recovery time blood sugar levels, fertility and sex specializes in stress and anxiety has drive problems. Physical symptoms been shown to be very effective in can range from mild to extreme. For lowering both stress and anxiety. A example, stress can cause a range of trained stress and anxiety specialist symptoms from minor headaches to will likely use what is called migraines, or mild stomach aches to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ulcers. Stress weakens your immune This approach teaches you to change system and may pre-dispose you to your faulty or anxiety producing more frequent flu or cold episodes. thoughts, while offering behavioral Over an extended period of time, training in relaxation, meditation, stress can diminish your ability to fight aromatherapy, yoga, or physical other types of infections or medical exercise. Negative thinking has been conditions you may be at risk for due extensively studied and identified as a to genetics. A primary stress symptom primary cause for stress and anxiety. is fatigue. Fatigue can create a variety You can learn to identify faulty, of issues for your body and your frightening or irrational thoughts so mind. It also suppresses your immune they can be changed or re-arranged system, and may make concentration to lower your stress and anxiety very difficult. In some cases, extended reactions. Medications are also fatigue may result in various levels available and work best in partnership of confusion or memory problems. with Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Fatigue can also cause body and joint Stress is sometimes a choice. In other aches. An estimated 18 million people words, how you view the problem in this country suffer from some type may be the problem. Both stress and of sexual dysfunction. This may also anxiety are raised when your thinking be attributed to fatigue and other stress is irrational and/or negative, and factors. Stress may lead to diminished lowered when your thinking is more interest in many activities including rational and positive. Self-help books sex. and other reading materials may also be helpful for you to re-train your Q. What are the most effective brain, and to change self-defeating treatments to manage stress and behavioral habits. Managing your anxiety? stress and anxiety will bring relief and A. Working with a professional who restore your quality of life.