Overview
Everyone experiences anxiety to some extent, but clinical anxiety is considered a mental health condition when it continuously interferes with the activities of daily life, including sleep, work, school, and personal relationships. Anxiety is often manifested as panic, obsessive compulsive, or post-traumatic stress, each of which has its own symptoms and triggers. There are many possible forms of anxiety disorder, so a proper diagnosis requires the attention of a professional anxiety therapist.
Symptoms
The symptoms of anxiety disorder include:
- feelings of apprehension,
- impending doom,
- and powerlessness
- sweating,
- trembling,
- exhaustion,
- hyperventilation,
- and an increased heart rate.
Because anxiety is such a broad category, there are subsets of anxiety with particular symptoms or triggers, such as specific phobias like agoraphobia or social phobia.
Causes
As with many mental health conditions, it’s difficult to say for sure what causes this anxiety disorder, but many people with anxiety were negatively affected by a traumatic event. Genetics can play a role as well, with some people naturally more prone to anxiety than others. Other medical conditions can trigger anxiety, but the only way to know if your anxiety is medical or psychological in nature is to get an anxiety evaluation.
Treatment
Anxiety that goes untreated might never go away, or it might even get worse. A doctor or mental health professional experienced in anxiety can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment. Typically, treatment consists of psychotherapy, medication, or both. In cases when the anxiety is psychological, talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can be quite effective. Aside from treating an underlying medical condition that’s causing anxiety, the most effective alternative is antidepressant medication.
Prevention
Prevention of anxiety is difficult, because it’s not usually obvious that it’s a problem until symptoms have appeared. Even so, you can prevent it from getting worse by getting help from a qualified anxiety therapist as soon as you detect that something’s wrong. Other good ideas include:
- keeping a journal to help identify what might be causing your stress and anxiety,
- maintaining positive lifestyle habits,
- and developing excellent time management skills.
Why Choose New Horizons to Treat Anxiety Disorder?
Let us help you reduce your anxiety. Our counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists have years of experience in anxiety counseling. Our unified team of professionals can create a comprehensive treatment approach for you to make your anxiety treatment more efficient and effective. With time and persistence, we help reverse or eliminate chronic anxiety so patients can lead happy lives. If you notice any symptoms of anxiety in you or a loved one, the best thing you can do is contact us and get help as soon as possible.
