Grasping Anxiety

Feeling constantly on edge, overwhelmed by worry, or unable to relax can be exhausting. You may notice racing thoughts, a tense body, or disrupted sleep even when there’s no clear reason. If anxiety is making it hard to focus, rest, or feel present in your daily life, you’re not alone, and help is available.

Anxiety is a pattern of heightened worry or physical tension that interferes with daily functioning and well-being. It can show up as persistent unease, restlessness, difficulty relaxing, trouble concentrating, or avoidance of certain situations. Symptoms may occur on their own or alongside stress, mood changes, sleep problems, trauma, or hormonal shifts. Anxiety exists on a spectrum - from mild and situational to ongoing and limiting - and understanding it involves looking at symptom duration, severity, impact on daily life, and ruling out medical causes when needed.

Presentation of Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest as:

- ongoing or excessive apprehension

- struggles in managing anxious thoughts

- physical tightness or restlessness

- trouble unwinding

- irritability or emotional reactivity

- rapid thoughts or cognitive overload

- difficulty concentrating

- sleep disruptions

- avoidance of triggering situations

- autonomic responses like changes in heart rate, perspiration, or stomach tension

Not all anxiety is pathological; some anxiety is a normal response to life's pressures. Diagnosis takes into account factors such as proportionality, frequency, impact on functioning, and duration.

Factors Influencing and Overlapping Anxiety

Various factors can influence anxiety, including:

- life stressors or changes in roles

- exposure to trauma or unresolved stress

- sleep disturbances

- hormonal fluctuations or medical conditions

- the use of stimulants or substances

- nutritional or metabolic aspects

- chronic pain

- social or environmental uncertainties

Anxiety can manifest independently or co-occur with other conditions. Accurate care involves exploring multiple aspects rather than assuming a singular cause.

Assessment for Anxiety

Clinical assessment commonly involves:

- understanding the onset and pattern of symptoms

- identifying triggers and stressors

- evaluating sleep patterns and lifestyle choices

- considering relevant medical history

- exploring familial psychiatric background

- assessing cognitive, emotional, or trauma-related influences

- reviewing medications and substance use

Laboratory or medical assessments might be warranted if medical causes are suspected or if anxiety coincides with unexplained fatigue, hormonal issues, cognitive changes, or metabolic variations. Testing approaches are tailored to individual needs.

Treatment Approaches for Anxiety

Treatment planning is personalized and may encompass:

- psychotherapy

- lifestyle adjustments or behavioral techniques

- grounding exercises or tools for regulating the nervous system

- optimizing sleep habits

- incorporating integrative support as appropriate

- considering psychiatric medications if necessary for severity or functional impairment

No single method suits everyone, and treatment plans adapt based on progress and understanding over time.

Geographical Areas Covered

Assessment and treatment for anxiety are accessible:

- in-person across Western North Carolina

- via secure telepsychiatry in:

- North Carolina

- Virginia

- South Carolina

- Maine

Initiating Your Journey Towards Care

A complimentary 15-minute consultation is available to explore whether an evaluation or treatment focused on anxiety could be beneficial.

Call to Action: Schedule a complimentary consultation → (insert your consultation link)

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health — Anxiety Disorders

2. World Health Organization — Mental Disorders Fact Sheet (includes anxiety within major disorder categories)

3. Mayo Clinic — Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms and Causes