Anxiety

Anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder) 

Get relief from perpetual dread. Anxiety’s grip is tight, but we can help. 

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? 

People with GAD tend to expect disaster and worry continually about things like health, money, family, work, or school, out of proportion to the actual situation. They may feel as if their “worry basket” is always full – as soon as one worry falls out, a new one moves in to take its place. They often play the “What-If” game and imagine a string of negative scenarios that end in catastrophe. Instead of living in the present moment, engaged with loved ones and activities, people with anxiety often feel consumed by worry. 

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder  

Symptoms may include: 

• Excessive, ongoing worry that is difficult to stop 
• Feeling restless, keyed up, tense or on edge 
• Trouble concentrating, mind going “blank” 
• Fatigue, tiring easily 
• Increased irritability  
• Trouble falling or staying asleep 
• Muscle tension, aches or soreness 

What Causes Anxiety? 

While the exact causes of anxiety are unknown, factors such as genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stressors appear to contribute to its development. The tendency to worry excessively may be passed down in families and brain pathways related to thinking and emotion may not work well. Trauma and stressful life events also may contribute to anxiety. 

Treatment for Anxiety 

People often require professional help to learn to manage persistent anxiety. Anxiety treatments may include:

• Individual therapy – Psychotherapists use a variety of techniques to help people recover from mental illness, resolve personal issues and make beneficial changes in their lives. People may learn skills to examine worries more realistically and learn methods to make worrying more contained and productive. 
• Medication – Antidepressants and other anxiety medications modify brain chemistry to balance a person’s mood. 
• TMS – Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of anxiety. 
• Lifestyle changes – Exercise, yoga, adequate sleep, meditation and relaxation techniques may improve symptoms of anxiety. 

Why Seek Help for Anxiety? 

Untreated anxiety impairs quality of life, harms relationships, and damages physical health. It also may put people at risk for alcohol and substance abuse, digestive issues, and heart disease. Untreated anxiety in children and teens may damage their academic and social development and put them at risk for developing depression and other disorders. 

If you or someone you love suffers from anxiety, contact Athena Care today. One of our friendly associates will help you get the help you need. Take this first step toward a better life.