What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the mind and body's reaction to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. It's the sense of uneasiness, distress, or dread you feel before a significant event. A certain level of Anxiety helps us stay alert and aware, but for those suffering from an anxiety disorder, it feels far from normal - it can be completely debilitating.

A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. Anxiety makes it harder to try new things, to take risks in your work or personal life, or sometimes to even leave your house. Many people with anxiety feel caged in. They see things they want to do in life but their anxiety keeps them from trying. This can lead to loss of income and unfulfilled potential.

Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common type of anxiety. It is characterized by an excessive, persistent, and unreasonable sense of fear and worry that interferes with a person’s life. These emotions are usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or muscle tension. Symptoms will range from mild to severe.

Social anxiety disorder is another type of complex phobia which occurs when a person feels significant anxiety about being humiliated, rejected, or embarrassed in a social setting.

Anxiety symptoms

• Nausea
• Uneasiness - resulting in Restlessness
• Sleep - Excessive or sleep deprived
• Numbness
• Sweaty or cold - palms and feet, dry mouth, chills
• Increased heart rate - resulting in short of breath or hyperventilation and even chest pain
• Obsession or compulsion
• Sudden trembling or shivers

Treatment for Anxiety

We use psychotherapeutic techniques such as mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy to minimize the psychological symptoms of anxiety. To help you navigate the physical symptoms of anxiety, we will also refer relaxation therapies such as yoga or holistic therapies like acupuncture to your treatment program.