Reviewed by Dr. Kalman Khodik, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist (NY & NJ), Founder and Clinical Director
Do you often feel restless, agitated, or overwhelmed with worries and thoughts of what might go wrong? Anxiety can interfere with your ability to succeed at work or in school, sabotage family life, challenge romantic relationships, and make for difficult interpersonal interactions.
Key points
- Different people experience anxiety in different ways
- Anxiety tends to respond well to treatment
- You can learn to recognize the symptoms of anxiety
- Choose an effective treatment path for anxiety
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Overview
Do you frequently experience anxiety, unease, a lack of motivation, or relationship issues? Do you often get intrusive thoughts? Do you regularly feel insecure and question what others think of you? Your emotional challenges may be powered by an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, anxiety often responds well to treatment.
Anxiety is extremely common
Anxiety is a prevalent issue, with more than one in five adults in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 60 experiencing an anxiety disorder in the past year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety rates were rising, and the pandemic only intensified this ongoing trend. During and after the pandemic, mental health professionals noticed an increase in the severity and frequency of emotional challenges. The “Hedonometer” at the University of Vermont recorded the lowest levels of human happiness ever seen in the United States.
Modern life has created a perfect environment for anxiety to flourish. Factors like working from home, reduced social interaction, less time spent with friends and family, more indoor time, and increased screen time all contribute to growing anxiety levels. As stress becomes harder to manage, many individuals turn to alcohol or other unhealthy coping mechanisms to self-soothe.
Anxiety levels, once elevated, tend to stay high or get higher
Our brains are naturally wired to respond to anxiety. When we encounter potential dangers—like a bear appearing in the woods or a speeding car coming toward us—anxiety helps us take quick action. It pushes us to sprint for the gate when we’re about to miss a flight or gives us a surge of energy when racing against a work deadline.
When we don’t respond effectively to an anxiety trigger, or if the trigger persists over time, we can get stuck in stress-induced mental pathways. We can develop unhealthy and negative coping patterns that keep us stuck and feeling anxious even after the initial trigger has passed.
Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety can appear differently in different people and at different times in their lives. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias are all anxiety-related disorders.
Symptoms
Your symptoms may depend on the specific anxiety disorder that you experience.
Social anxiety can make it difficult for you to speak up at work or school, engage in social situations, or even have trouble leaving the house.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) usually involves persistent feelings of anxiety or dread. Other symptoms include feeling on edge or restless, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, irritability, headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or other pain without a clear source.
Panic attacks may include experiencing an accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or feeling out of control.
Phobias are intense fears that are out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the object or the situation. Some examples of phobias include fear of flying, heights, or being in an enclosed space.
Causes and risk factors
Hereditary and environmental variables contribute to the chance of developing an anxiety disorder. Exposure to adverse life or environmental events, a family history of anxiety, and/or other mental health challenges in your family make it more likely that you will have difficulty managing anxiety.
Certain physical issues, such as thyroid disorders and heart arrhythmias, are associated with an increased risk for anxiety disorders. High doses of caffeine or substance abuse can make anxiety more likely.
Treatment for anxiety
Anxiety disorders often respond well to psychotherapy or “talk therapy.” For therapy to be truly effective, it must be tailored to your unique experiences. With the right therapist and therapeutic approach, you can regain balance in your life, feel less burdened by worries, experience more calm, and lead a fuller, more meaningful life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)helps individuals change their thought patterns, responses, and behaviors to reduce anxiety and fear. CBT is one of the most researched and proven approaches to anxiety treatment.
Exposure therapy, a CBT technique, targets the core fears driving anxiety. It encourages individuals to face the situations they’ve been avoiding, often in conjunction with relaxation exercises, to gradually reduce anxiety.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) employs mindfulness, goal-setting, and other strategies to alleviate discomfort and anxiety.
Medication can support lifestyle changes by stabilizing mood, enhancing functioning at home and work, and supporting better self-care practices. Medication often works alongside psychotherapy and lifestyle strategies, reinforcing healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits.
Take the first step
If you are struggling with anxiety and are ready to take your life back, Avita PsyCare is here to help. Our compassionate team of experienced therapists specializes in anxiety treatment and can guide you toward lasting relief. We’ll even match you with a therapist who fits your needs and takes your insurance, making it easier than ever to prioritize your mental health. Don’t wait—take the first step toward a calmer, more fulfilling life by contacting us today!
Insurance plans accepted
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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