Anxiety

Living with constant fear, stress, and worry can be overwhelming and challenging to manage. Anxiety varies in severity from day to day and can manifest both mentally (through overthinking or catastrophic thoughts) and physically (such as restlessness, a rapid heart rate, or muscle tension). At Hope & Heart, we focus on alleviating both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

If anxiety is impacting your life, contact Hope & Heart Psychiatry or schedule a telehealth appointment online today!

What is anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotion most people recognize. It might be the worry you feel when awaiting test results, nervousness before an interview, or butterflies in your stomach on a first date. Feeling anxious about your children, job, relationships, and income as an everyday part of the human emotional experience.

Occasional anxiety is beneficial because it releases hormones that increase alertness and awareness. This can give you the edge you need to do your best and achieve your goals.

The problem arises when your anxiety becomes constant and/or overwhelming. If you feel anxious all the time to the point it’s affecting your everyday life, anxiety has become a psychological disorder.

What symptoms does an anxiety disorder cause?
Anxiety disorders typically cause symptoms such as:

• Persistent uneasiness or dread
• Restlessness 
• Nervousness
• Feeling on edge 
• Worry
• Difficulty relaxing 
• Nightmares
• Sleep disturbances 
• Unwanted thoughts
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Symptoms can sometimes peak, causing panic attacks. These alarming experiences can leave you feeling out of control, sweating, shaking, and unable to function.

What types of anxiety disorders might affect me?
The most widespread anxiety disorders include the following:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Phobias
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder

Anxiety is also a primary feature of conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How do I reduce my anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety involves using medication in combination with psychotherapy. Environmental changes, exercise, hydration, sunlight are all elements to manage anxious features. 

Psychotherapy is essential in treating anxiety disorders. During therapy sessions, you can discover the root cause of your anxiety and work through personal battles. You’re able to gain a better understanding of why you have anxiety and how to manage your condition.

If feelings of anxiety are affecting your quality of life, call Hope & Heart Psychiatry or book a telehealth appointment online today.