Anxiety

Your body has a built-in mechanism, the fight-or-flight response, to address dangers in your environment. It's normal to be worried every once in a while; fear is a completely normal feeling, and in certain situations it keeps us safe. But fear that occurs every day in ordinary situations and keeps you from accomplishing the things you want isn't normal and can be destructive. Constant feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger, and can last a long time. Symptoms can start in childhood or the teenage years and continue into adulthood.

Occasional bouts of anxious feelings are completely normal, but the difference between a healthy amount of anxiety and too much can be difficult to identify on your own. Here are some signs that anxiety may be affecting your quality of life:

• Trouble concentrating at work or school
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irrational fears that extend beyond reasonable thought
• Worrying almost every day about small, trivial things
• Feeling physically unwell—a racing pulse, sweaty palms, shaky hands, or a dry mouth

Anxiety is often treated effectively with medication management alongside therapy. Our team has years of experience in recognizing the indicators of anxiety, panic disorders, and other mental health conditions, and in recommending appropriate treatment, including counseling.