Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common human experience characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, apprehension, and fear. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, excessive or persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms

Anxiety symptoms vary, but common ones include:

• Racing thoughts


• Feeling tense or restless


• Irritability


• Difficulty concentrating


• Sleep problems

Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, fatigue, headaches, and gastrointenstinal issues.

Causes

Anxiety disorders have no single cause. Contributing factors can include:

• Traumatic events


• Genetics


• Brain chemistry


• Stress


• Medical factors like thyroid dysfunction

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Some examples of diagnosed anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about everyday issues


• Social anxiety: Extreme fear of social situations


• Panic disorder: Sudden, overwhelming periods of anxiety called panic attacks


• Phobias: Intense fear around certain objects or situations


• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Anxiety following a traumatic event

Treatment

Fortunately, anxiety disorders are very treatable. Common methods include therapy, medication, or often a combination of both. Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress can also help.

If you think you may be struggling with anxiety, reach out! Speaking to a professional is the first step in getting back control of your mental health.

At Optimal Hormone Solutions, we take a holistic approach to anxiety treatment including hormone balancing, customized nutrition plans, and stress management techniques. We're here to help you on your path to wellness.