Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common human experience characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Some key things to know about anxiety:

• It is a normal emotion that everyone feels at times


• There are different types of anxiety disorders that may require treatment:
  
  
  • Generalized anxiety disorder - excessive worry about many everyday things
  
  
  • Social anxiety - extreme fear about social situations
  
  
  • Panic disorder - sudden, overwhelming terror or sense of doom
  
  
  • Phobias - intense fear about a specific object or situation
  
  


• Anxiety becomes a disorder when it is excessive, persists for more than 6 months, and interferes with daily life

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Nervousness, restlessness, feeling "on edge"


• Increased heart rate and muscle tension


• Trouble concentrating or sleeping


• Fatigue


• Irritability


• Nausea or dizziness

Causes

Anxiety disorders have no single cause. Contributing factors may include:

• Trauma or stressful events


• Genetics/family history


• Brain chemistry/hormone changes


• Use of certain drugs/medications

If anxiety is interfering with your life, make an appointment with a mental health professional like those at Balance Hormone Clinic. Their dedicated providers can help evaluate your symptoms, diagnose specific anxiety disorders, and create an individualized treatment plan. This may include therapy, medication, stress management techniques, or dietary/lifestyle changes to help regulate hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood and anxiety levels.

Treatment

Some of the most common treatments for anxiety include:

• Talk therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)


• Medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds


• Relaxation techniques and stress management


• Exercise which helps the body manage stress


• Adequate sleep and healthy diet to support mental health

The good news is anxiety disorders are very treatable! By understanding the symptoms and root causes, patients can work with professionals to find the best treatment options for their individual needs. The medical providers at Balance Hormone Clinic are compassionate, experienced, and up-to-date on evidence-based approaches. Schedule an appointment today to take the first step towards relief from anxiety. Most insurance plans accepted.