Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. It begins with a simple issue that shouldn’t be a big deal, but anxiety creates a fixation on the issue, making it grow out of proportion. Anxiety disorders can take many shapes, like social anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Anxiety affects everyone differently. Some common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Trouble sleeping
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts
- Feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep
- Muscle pain or soreness
- Going out of your way to avoid situations that create anxiety
Life Disruptions
Anxiety can cause numerous problems in your life. Trouble focusing makes it difficult to perform well at work or school. Many people alter their lives to prevent encountering whatever triggers their anxiety by isolating themselves or avoiding public spaces.
Panic Attacks
People with severe anxiety disorders often experience panic attacks. Common symptoms of panic attacks include: difficulty breathing, a sense of impending doom, physical tension, and detachment from surroundings.
Trauma
Some people develop anxiety disorders as a means to protect themselves. Trauma can be caused by anything from military service, to a car accident, to severe weather. But when anxiety from these events is felt even when the threat isn’t present, the trauma has gotten out of control.
Treatment
Social anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and PTSD are all treatable. Many people benefit from a combination of treatment options like therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. You can control your anxiety. It doesn’t have to control you!
If you suffer from anxiety, take this mental health screening and find out if you should pursue treatment.
Promise Behavioral Health Team
We are committed to walking alongside our patients during difficult times in their lives. Promise provides a comfortable, safe, confidential space for patients to share their concerns. We also want to offer hope and allow patients to recognize they are capable of making positive changes in their lives. It takes courage to share with someone about sensitive areas of life, and we honor that courage. When patients share and unburden their hearts, it will ultimately empower them to create more wholeness and a higher quality of life.
