Occasionally experiencing anxiety is a normal, healthy part of life. There are many aspects of daily life that can be anxiety-inducing including health, family, work, life transitions, and more. However, when anxious feelings do not dissipate or start to interfere with your ability to complete day-to-day functions, it may be time to consult a mental health professional to determine if an anxiety disorder is present. 

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are distinct from healthy levels of anxiety, in that the individual experiences excessive levels of fear or worry that are negatively impacting their quality of life. Some symptoms of anxiety include:

• Headaches

• Muscle tension

• Rapid breathing

• Fast, thumping, or irregular heartbeat

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

• Sweating or hot flashes

• Chest pains

• Nausea

• Restlessness

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• Trouble sleeping​

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is characterized by persistent and excessive worrying about everyday activities such as work, family responsibilities, health or safety. 

Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks, which are episodes of overwhelming fear accompanied by a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. The onset of panic attacks may be sporadic or in response to specific triggers. 

Phobias: A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive fear of a specific trigger, such as an object or situation. Some of the most common phobias include fear of public speaking, fear of enclosed spaces, fear of spiders, and fear of flying. 

Social Anxiety Disorder: Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, causes irrational fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment in response to social interactions. 

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Treatment for anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many interventions that may help with symptom management to improve overall quality of life. A comprehensive treatment plan for anxiety will likely include one or more of the following interventions.

• Therapy: Talk therapy can be an important space for individuals with anxiety to learn how to navigate feelings, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and work through cognitive distortions. Some common therapeutic modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. 

• Medication: Medication can be a pivotal component of treatment for anxiety. Some commonly prescribed medications for anxiety include selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and beta blockers.

• Lifestyle changes: As with most mental and physical health challenges, implementing healthy lifestyle habits can improve symptoms and overall well being for individuals living with anxiety. Examples of healthy habits include a regular sleep schedule, balanced eating, regular exercise, and meditation practices. 

When should I see a professional?

If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety that cannot be managed on your own or interferes with your daily life, it may be time to consult a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today