Anxiety

Living with Anxiety: Understanding and Managing What You’re Feeling

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions—affecting millions of people every year—yet many continue to suffer in silence, unsure of what they're experiencing or where to turn for help. At our practice, we want to remind you: you are not alone, and anxiety is both understandable and treatable.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress. It’s the body’s way of preparing us to deal with a perceived threat. But when those feelings of fear, nervousness, or dread become constant, overwhelming, or interfere with daily functioning, it may be more than just temporary worry—it could be an anxiety disorder¹.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Excessive worry that is hard to control

• Restlessness or feeling "on edge"

• Trouble concentrating or sleeping

• Increased heart rate or rapid breathing

• Muscle tension or fatigue

• Avoiding certain situations out of fear

For some, anxiety also manifests physically—through stomach issues, dizziness, or headaches. These symptoms can vary from person to person and often overlap with other mental health conditions like depression or trauma-related disorders².

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several different forms of anxiety, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Chronic worry about everyday things

• Panic Disorder – Sudden, repeated panic attacks and intense physical symptoms

• Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings

• Phobias – Intense fear of specific objects or situations

• Separation Anxiety – Excessive fear of being apart from loved ones

These conditions can appear alone or alongside other issues like substance use or trauma. It’s not uncommon for someone living with anxiety to also struggle with unhealthy coping habits or difficulty functioning in relationships or at work¹³.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Genetics and brain chemistry

• Trauma or adverse life experiences

• Ongoing stress or unresolved conflict

• Substance use or withdrawal

• Certain medical conditions

The root cause of anxiety is often complex and unique to each individual, which is why a personalized treatment approach is so important².

How Is Anxiety Treated?

The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable. People often find relief through therapy, medication, or both. Some effective treatment options include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps change negative thought patterns

• Mindfulness and relaxation strategies – Such as deep breathing, grounding, or meditation

• Medication – Prescribed when clinically appropriate to help regulate symptoms

• Lifestyle changes – Including sleep hygiene, movement, and nutrition

At our practice, we work with clients to create a treatment plan that reflects their specific needs and goals. We also offer support for individuals managing anxiety alongside other concerns such as substance use or trauma.

You're Not Weak—You're Human

Living with anxiety can be exhausting, but you are not broken. Anxiety doesn’t define you—and it doesn’t have to control your life. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Reach out to schedule an assessment. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Sources

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders ↩ ↩²

2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) (DSM-5). ↩ ↩²

3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Anxiety disorders. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961 ↩