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Anxiety is a normal part of life and may occur as a response to stress, although it can feel like it happens out of the blue for no reason.. It can feel like uneasiness or fear and could also include worry and physical sensations. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, such as before a test or when facing a problem at work. However, frequent anxiety, anxiety that interferes with your ability to get through your day or go to work or school, or anxiety that seems to be getting worse may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are one of the most frequent mental health conditions, affecting about 19% of adults in the United States each year. It can show up in different ways. Some of the most common anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: Ongoing, excessive worrying about everyday life
- Panic disorder: Sudden, intense episodes of fear, or panic attacks
- Social anxiety disorder: Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Anxiety related to a past traumatic event
- Specific phobias: Intense fear of a specific object or situation
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Having unwanted repeated thoughts that cause anxiety and can cause repetitive behaviors
- Post-partum anxiety: Frequent feelings of panic, worry, or overwhelm about the baby or parenting
The good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable, and many people live fulfilling lives with proper support and care.
Symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety can affect both your mind and body. You may have anxious or worried thoughts about a single situation or many things. Your body can react with symptoms like a rapid heart rate, sweating, or feeling fidgety. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms.
Emotional Symptoms:
- Excessive or uncontrollable worry: Constant concern about everyday situations, even when there is little or no reason to worry.
- Feeling restless or on edge: Having trouble relaxing or feeling a persistent sense of tension.
- Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or overwhelmed by ongoing stress and worry.
Physical Symptoms:
- Muscle tension: Tightness or soreness in the muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, or back.
- Sleep problems and fatigue: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested after sleep.
- Digestive tract changes: Feeling nauseous, loss of appetite, or having diarrhea.
- Feeling overheated: Sweating, feeling hot, or flushing.
Behavioral Changes:
- Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions due to racing thoughts.
- Avoiding stressful situations: Avoiding activities, conversations, or responsibilities that trigger anxiety.
- Seeking constant reassurance: Frequently asking others for reassurance about worries or concerns.
When to Seek Help:
If you're experiencing anxiety for more than several weeks or months, or you feel like anxiety is interfering with daily activities, it's important to reach out for professional support. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Treatment options for anxiety
Mild anxiety can often be managed with therapy, stress management techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and getting regular physical activity.
More severe anxiety is also treatable with therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medications. A mental health professional can help you determine what treatments are best for you.
Evidence-Based Treatments:
Therapy:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps you recognize unhelpful thought patterns and change them into more balanced, realistic ones.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): Teaches you how to accept difficult thoughts and emotions and engage in meaningful activities.
Medication:
- Antidepressants: Including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications typically treat depression but can also help with anxiety disorders. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting medication.
- Benzodiazepines: These medications have a sedative effect that can help reduce anxiety quickly. However, a person can develop a tolerance to them or become dependent on them.
- Buspirone: This medication does not have the sedative effect and can also treat anxiety disorders. People are also less likely to become dependent on buspirone.
- Alternative Options: Certain herbs, dietary supplements, and probiotics may help reduce anxiety. However, research on these is limited. A mental health provider can provide direction.
Lifestyle Support:
- Regular exercise and movement help improve mood and reduce stress.
- Sleep hygiene practices to support emotional regulation and energy levels.
- Stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
- Social support networks, including friends, family, or support groups.
- Limiting caffeine and stimulants, as these can worsen feelings of anxiety.
Crisis Resources
Immediate Help:
Emergency
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
When to Seek Emergency Care:
- Severe panic attacks that feel overwhelming or uncontrollable
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Inability to care for basic needs
- Extreme distress that interferes with personal safety
How Willow Health Can Help
At Willow Health, our clinicians understand that anxiety affects every person differently. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, reach out to the team at Willow Health today. We offer same-day or next-business-day appointments to ensure that people experiencing a mental health crisis receive the timely care they need.
Our mental health providers create individualized care plans, prescribe medications when necessary, and offer peer support services to ensure you receive comprehensive care. We would be honored to support you in taking control of your symptoms.
FAQs
For more detailed information or personalized assistance, feel free to reach out to us directly — your journey to understanding and accessing transformative behavioral health care starts with a conversation.
Willow currently accepts select insurance plans for payment of your provider’s or therapist’s services. Call us at (646) 814-1530 to check your coverage status.
Treatment length varies depending on the individual and their specific needs. Most people begin to notice progress after attending 4-6 sessions of evidence-based therapy. Some people may require long-term support.
Not everyone with anxiety needs medication. Some people improve with therapy and lifestyle changes alone, while others benefit from a combination of approaches. A clinician can help determine what may work best for you.
Yes! Many people with anxiety go on to live full, meaningful lives with proper treatment and support. With the right care plan, symptoms can be effectively managed. Contact us now to get started.