Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is defined as feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Anxiety is a natural human response when we perceive a potential threat. Mild anxiety can be motivating and help us prepare for challenges. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it can interfere with daily life and cause significant distress.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting over 284 million people globally. There are several types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent, exaggerated worry about everyday life events


• Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social situations


• Panic disorders involve sudden, overwhelming panic attacks


• Phobias involve an intense fear reaction to specific objects or situations

Anxiety disorder symptoms may be emotional (feeling nervous or stressed), physical (increased heart rate, sweating), or behavioral (avoiding situations).

What causes anxiety disorders? Contributing factors can include:

• Genetics/family history: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families


• Brain chemistry: An imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine


• Environmental stress: Trauma, abuse, grief, financial troubles, etc.

The good news? Anxiety disorders are highly treatable through a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication:

• Lifestyle changes like exercise, improved sleep habits, and reduced alcohol/caffeine intake can help manage anxiety.


• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients recognize and alter negative thought patterns.


• Medications like SSRIs and SNRIs can help regulate brain chemistry.

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, visit a mental health professional for an evaluation. Catching and treating anxiety early can greatly improve quality of life.

Struggling with anxiety? The caring professionals at Balance Health Clinic offer compassionate care, including customized treatment plans to help patients achieve lasting relief from anxiety through advanced hormone testing and personalized bioidentical hormone therapy programs. () or call to schedule your consultation today!