Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion that creates tension, fears or worries, and a range of physical reactions like hastened breathing and increased blood pressure. Anxiety is the function that enables a “fight or flight” reaction when you’re faced with danger. Not only is a certain level of anxiety normal, but it’s also necessary for human survival.

When your brain senses danger, it responds by triggering a flood of adrenaline that enables a chain reaction of physiological actions. The problem comes when anxiety levels remain high even after there is no longer a viable threat. That places considerable pressure on your body, and can have lasting negative effects.

What are some signs of an anxiety disorder?

Short periods of anxiety are normal, especially when you’re confronted by relationship struggles, a new job, a move to a new city, or even the much-anticipated birth of a child. If you notice the following symptoms that don’t seem to subside over time, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder:

Trouble concentrating
Increased irritability
Persistent restlessness, or feeling as if you’re always “on edge”
Sleep disruptions
Overwhelming worry or fear

It’s important to seek help for anxiety. Left untreated, anxiety can cause you to seek out unhealthy coping mechanisms, including drug or alcohol abuse.

How is anxiety treated?

There are numerous ways to treat anxiety, and your treatment path depends on your specific set of needs. Medication may play a role in addressing anxiety, but treatment also includes non-pharmaceutical tools and techniques.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool for treating anxiety. This approach teaches you to recognize harmful thought patterns and identify ways to change the way you react or respond. Developing those skills can improve virtually all aspects of your life, and is a critical part of the recovery process for many.

Lifestyle modifications can also help by strengthening your body and developing natural defenses from the physiological side effects of anxiety. Some examples include improving your diet and avoiding excess caffeine. Improving your sleep habits can also be incredibly effective in lessening anxiety.

To learn more about anxiety treatment, schedule a consultation today. Online scheduling is available, or you can always call and speak with a member of the administrative staff.