Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is as much a part of life as eating and sleeping. Although we don’t live in a time where physical survival is a constant threat, our autonomic nervous system (ANS) may go into fight, flight or freeze mode before we even realize it. Experiencing temporary anxiety is one thing. But when your anxiety interferes with your work or home life, it may lead you to avoid certain people and situations. Significant physical and emotional distress can appear even when there is no danger. Worry and anticipation of a future threat can negatively impact the quality of your life.

What are some types of Anxiety?

Anxiety Disorders refer to a group of conditions such as phobias, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Most people who come to my office experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Left untreated, some long-term anxiety disorders can lead to a major depression.

How does Anxiety feel?

Significant physical and emotional distress can appear with anxiety. Some physical symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, dry mouth, cold/clammy hands, racing heart, dry mouth, upset stomach, numbness/tingling of hands or feet, lump in the throat. Some emotional symptoms can include excessive worry and apprehension that something bad will happen to you or a loved one. You may find yourself feeling impatient, irritable and easily distracted. These feelings can happen on a daily basis.

Treatment

At our first meeting, we will review forms completed by you indicating your symptoms and how anxiety is impacting your life. After my clinical assessment, I will develop a comprehensive treatment plan. It’s important for me to rule out other conditions that may have anxiety-producing side effects. You will be asked if there is a history of substance use, if you are taking any medication, and if you are being treated for a medical condition. With generalized anxiety, your worries are pervasive, distressing, have long duration and often occur without a precipitating event. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, I may recommend an evaluation by an M.D. for anti-anxiety medication. Through therapy, you will learn how to develop awareness of the irrational nature of your fears and implement stress management techniques. As you start using coping strategies to help diminish your anxiety, hope for the future and your overall quality of life can improve.