Learn More About Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences, but when the feelings of worry, tension, or fear are intense, long-lasting, or common, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, anxiety is treatable. Below you’ll find articles and resources to help you both understand and deal with feelings of anxiety.
Featured Anxiety Articles
17 Anxiety Exercises to Help You Relax
The exercises shared in this article will walk you through how to regulate your nervous system to help you relax when you’re anxious.
by: Elizabeth Yoak, LMHC, NCC
17 Common Anxiety Triggers & How to Cope With Them
Anxiety is a mental health condition that shows up as fear, uncontrollable worry, racing thoughts, and various physical symptoms. While anxiety can relate to a variety of life areas, there are certain things that can spike or trigger anxiety. The first step in coping with anxiety is to identify your personal triggers, and then make a plan to manage your triggers.
by: Maggie Holland, MA, MHP, LMHCWhat Is Anxiety?
What to Know About Anxiety
Anxiety occurs on a spectrum that ranges from mildly nervous or worried to extreme feelings of panic. Most symptoms of anxiety are a direct result of a normal chain reaction called the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response that involves the brain, nervous system, and body.
Generalized anxiety disorder involves symptoms of anxiety triggered by a wide range of circumstances, or sometimes for unknown reasons.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by symptoms of anxiety which occur in specific social interactions or settings where a person is afraid of being judged or rejected.
Specific phobias are characterized by intense symptoms of anxiety triggered by a specific thing (i.e. fear of spiders), situations (i.e. heights), or activities (i.e. public speaking).
Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks and intense fear about the possibility of future attacks.
Separation anxiety is characterized by extreme anxiety when separated from loved ones (usually caregivers). It primarily affects children, but separation anxiety in adults can also occur.
OCD is not technically an anxiety disorder, but characterized by high levels of anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and ritualistic behavior.
Common Questions About Anxiety
What causes anxiety?
There isn’t one specific cause for developing an anxiety disorder. Experts believe that the interaction of genetic vulnerability with stressful life events can trigger an anxiety condition. A person can also experience anxiety from having an underlying medical condition, taking certain medications, eating anxiety causing foods, or a combination of any of these factors.
Is anxiety genetic?
Anxiety disorders can be genetic, or at least have a genetic component. This means that having a family member with anxiety, or any other psychological disorder, can predispose you to developing an anxiety disorder—especially if other risk factors are involved.
How does someone get an anxiety disorder diagnosis?
Your doctor can evaluate if your anxiety is related to a medical condition or something else that needs to be addressed. You can also reach out to a therapist who can conduct a comprehensive assessment to derive a diagnosis and provide treatment as well. However, it’s important to rule out medical-related issues first.
How is anxiety treated?
Treatment for anxiety disorders can include therapy, medication, and even lifestyle changes that can help reduce symptoms.
Videos About Dealing With Anxiety
Books for Dealing With Anxiety
Anxiety Treatments
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Panic Disorder
Phobias
Social Anxiety
Read More About Anxiety
