Anxiety

Do you often find yourself feeling restless, on edge, or consumed by worries about what could go wrong? Anxiety can disrupt your performance at work or school, strain family life, create challenges in romantic relationships, and make social interactions tough.

Key points

Overview

Do you often feel anxious, uneasy, unmotivated, or struggle with relationship problems? Do intrusive thoughts frequently bother you? Are you constantly feeling insecure and worrying about what others think of you? These emotional challenges could be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. The good news is that anxiety typically responds well to treatment.

Anxiety is extremely common

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that over one in five adults in the US, aged 18 to 60, experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year.

Even before COVID-19, anxiety levels were steadily increasing, and the pandemic only intensified this trend. Psychologists and social workers observed a rise in both the severity and frequency of emotional issues. The “Hedonometer” at the University of Vermont even recorded the lowest levels of happiness ever seen in the United States.

Modern life sets the stage for anxiety. Working from home, fewer social interactions, limited time with friends, weaker family connections, more indoor time, and excessive screen use all contribute to rising anxiety levels. Many people are struggling to cope with stress, and some turn to alcohol or other unhealthy habits to self-medicate.

Anxiety levels, once elevated, tend to stay high or get higher

We are all naturally wired to respond to anxiety. When our brain senses danger, like a bear emerging from the woods or a speeding car coming towards us, anxiety kicks in to help us tackle the threat. If we’re worried about missing a flight, we hurry to the gate. When facing a work deadline, anxiety can give us an extra burst of energy to get things done.

When we don’t effectively respond to anxiety triggers, or if the triggers persist over time, we can get trapped in stress-induced mental patterns. This can lead to the development of unhealthy and negative coping mechanisms, leaving us feeling anxious even after the initial trigger has gone away.

Types of anxiety disorders

Anxiety can manifest differently in different people and at different stages of life. It can take forms such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias.

Symptoms

Your symptoms can vary based on the specific type of anxiety disorder you have.

Social anxiety can make it challenging to speak up at work or school, participate in social situations, or even leave the house.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often includes constant feelings of worry or dread. Other symptoms can be feeling on edge or restless, fatigue, trouble concentrating, difficulty sleeping, irritability, headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or other unexplained pain.

Panic attacks might involve a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or a sense of losing control.

Phobias are intense fears that are disproportionate to the actual danger of the object or situation. Examples include fear of flying, heights, or enclosed spaces.

Causes and risk factors

Both genetic and environmental factors can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. Experiencing negative life events, having a family history of anxiety, or other mental health challenges within the family can make it more difficult to manage anxiety.

Certain physical conditions, like thyroid disorders and heart arrhythmias, can increase the risk of anxiety disorders. Additionally, consuming high doses of caffeine or abusing substances can also make anxiety more likely.

Treatment for anxiety

Anxiety disorders often respond well to psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” For it to be effective, the therapy should be tailored to your specific experiences. With the right therapist and approach, you can restore balance in your life, experience fewer worries, feel calmer and more content, and be more present, leading to a fuller, more meaningful life.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses eye movements to assist in processing traumatic memories. Click here to learn more about EMDR.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people learn new ways of thinking, responding, and reacting to situations to reduce anxiety and fear. CBT is a well-researched approach.

Exposure therapy a technique within CBT, is used to treat anxiety disorders. It helps individuals confront the fears underlying their anxiety, encouraging them to engage in activities they’ve been avoiding. Sometimes, relaxation exercises are incorporated into exposure therapy.

Medication can support healthy lifestyle changes by helping stabilize your mood and improve your ability to function at home and work. It can assist you in taking better care of yourself. Often used alongside psychotherapy and holistic care, medication can reinforce your efforts to maintain healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise routines.

Reach out today

Incorporating a blend of therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and, if necessary, medication can significantly improve your ability to manage anxiety and lead a fulfilling life. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Reach out to Kate Smiley, LCSW, to explore the right treatment options for you. Kate is dedicated to helping you find the balance and peace you deserve. Contact her today to take the first step toward a calmer, more content life.

More information

Anxiety Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder

Henning, M., Subic-Wrana, C., Wiltink, J., & Beutel, M. (2020). Anxiety Disorders in Patients With Somatic Diseases. Psychosomatic Medicine.

Nelson, H., Cantor, A., Pappas, M., & Weeks, C. (2020). Screening for Anxiety in Adolescent and Adult Women. Annals of Internal Medicine.

What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference