Anxiety Treatment

What Is Anxiety?

Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. However, anxiety disorders involve ongoing, excessive, and overwhelming worry or fear about everyday situations. These disorders can cause episodes of intense anxiety or sudden panic that peak within minutes, commonly known as panic attacks.

Anxiety and panic can disrupt daily life, feel uncontrollable, and seem out of proportion to the actual situation. These feelings may lead to avoiding certain places or situations to prevent distress. Anxiety symptoms often begin in childhood or adolescence and can persist into adulthood.

Types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder. It’s also possible to experience more than one anxiety disorder simultaneously. In some cases, anxiety may stem from an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including both physical and emotional symptoms. Common signs include:

- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense

- A sense of impending danger, panic, or doom

- Increased heart rate

- Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)

- Sweating and trembling

- Feeling weak or fatigued

- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on anything beyond current worries

- Trouble sleeping

- Gastrointestinal (GI) issues

- Struggling to control worry

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may interfere with daily life. If they persist or become overwhelming, seeking support can help manage and alleviate anxiety effectively.