Anxiety

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mood disorder characterized by irrational fears and worry that interfere with a variety of regular life activities.  All people go through periods of time where they experience elevated levels of stress, worry, or anxiousness related to events occurring in their lives at that moment. Others however, frequently experience these heightened feelings over everyday things, or situations that are unlikely to happen. These strong feelings of fear and worry keep some individuals from participating in normal life activities.  

Causes Of Anxiety

There is still much to learn about mood disorders and the brain, and it might not be easy to determine the root of a person’s anxiety. However, mood disorders can be biological in nature, meaning that it can be passed down in families or a person can be born with a higher chance of developing the disorder. Stressful life events can also alter brain chemistry and increase a person’s susceptibility of developing anxiety. Symptoms may first appear in children or teens and can continue into adulthood.

Symptoms Of Anxiety

  • Disruptions in sleep/having difficulty turning off thoughts/mind racing
  • Heightened irritability and worry
  • Avoiding places, people, or situations because of worry or fears
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • A feeling of impending doom or danger
  • Physical symptoms such as: rapid heart rate and sweating, trembling and nervousness, gastrointestinal problems

Treating Anxiety

There are available effective treatments for anxiety. Typically this includes both pharmaceutical intervention (medication) combined with psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness are two proven therapies effective in the treatment of anxiety. If you believe you or a loved one suffer with anxiety, help is available. Reach out to your doctor and mental health provider. You are not alone.

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