Understanding Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms and Help

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, affecting millions of people worldwide. While everyone feels anxious at times, anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life. Many people don't realize their symptoms are treatable, or may dismiss them as just part of their personality. Understanding anxiety is the first step toward managing it.  

Key Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders:  

• Constant worrying that's hard to control  

• Feeling restless, wound up, or on edge 

• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating or trembling  

• Trouble concentrating or sleeping  

• Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety  

• Panic attacks - sudden intense fear with physical symptoms  

Anxiety manifests differently for everyone. Some people mainly experience physical symptoms, while others struggle most with obsessive thoughts. The severity can range from mild unease to debilitating fear.  

There are varied forms and levels of anxiety disorders. Adjustment Disorders with Anxiety is a diagnosis that refers to experiencing anxiety in response to a particular distressing event or life change. With an Adjustment Disorder, symptoms usually subside once the individual has learned effective strategies to better cope with thoughts and emotions associated with the distressing event. Other more pervasive anxiety disorders include: Separation Anxiety Disorder & Selective Mutism (found in children), Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable. Effective therapy treatment modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, & relaxation techniques. Lifestyle changes can also contribute to improving emotional regulation. 

In the event you are experiencing persistent worrying, hypervigilance (ex. constant planning for the worst case scenario), rumination, and other distressing symptoms, it is best to communicate these symptoms to your therapist and/or physician. Your provider can refer you to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who may determine if or what medication can help better manage symptoms. When symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to seek out higher levels of care such as an Intensive Outpatient Program commonly referred to as an IOP. 

If you are having suicidal thoughts with intent to commit suicide or you have thought of how you would commit suicide, go to your nearest emergency room, hospital, or call 911 ro get help immediately. You may also dial 988 to reach the crisis hotline 24/7. Short-term inpatient care followed up with a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can get you on track to better managing symptoms on your own with the continued support of a mental health therapist which is referred to as outpatient care. 

If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, your ability to concentrate at work or school, or impacting your relationships with friends and family, seek the help of a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety. With the right support, you can learn to manage anxiety and regain control!