Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is that feeling you get when you’re under stress, scared, or worried. However, you shouldn’t feel anxious all the time.

If you find your anxiousness is taking over, you could have an anxiety disorder. The most common is generalized anxiety disorder, where all aspects of life cause fear, stress, and worry.

You can also get more focused anxiety-type disorders. Phobias cause extreme anxiety when you see or experience something you have an irrational fear of, like spiders, snakes, or flying. Social anxiety disorder is a phobia where being with other people is the cause of your anxiety.

What symptoms does anxiety cause?

In addition to overwhelming anxiety, you might experience symptoms such as:

• Muscle tension
• Restlessness
• Difficulties concentrating
• Fatigue
• Disrupted sleep
• Rapid heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Trembling
• Nausea

Anxiety symptoms sometimes reach a peak, resulting in a panic attack. These highly distressing events occur when your anxiety gets out of control, causing heightened physical symptoms and, in some cases, additional ones like chest pain and difficulty catching your breath.

You might be unable to move or speak during a panic attack. Or you may shout or cry. Whatever way a panic attack affects you, it’s deeply unpleasant, and you’re likely to make every effort to avoid having another. Many people shut themselves off from life outside their homes when they have anxiety.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

After completing a comprehensive psych evaluation, the Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services team designs a personalized treatment plan for you that might include:

Medications

Anti-anxiety medications work by increasing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine play a vital role in mood and emotional regulation. People with anxiety frequently have lower levels of these neurotransmitters.

Counseling