Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common human emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Nearly everyone experiences some anxiety in their life.

However, for some people, anxiety can become excessive, persistent, and debilitating. This is when it turns into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health concern in the United States, affecting over 19% of the adult population.

There are several types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday issues. People with GAD may have racing thoughts, feel restless, have muscle tension, and struggle falling asleep.


• Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social situations. Someone with this disorder may avoid groups, parties, and speaking in front of others. Blushing, nausea, and panic attacks can occur in feared social situations.


• Phobias are marked by excessive fear about a specific object or situation, such as heights or flying. The level of fear is disproportionate to the actual risk or danger posed.

What causes anxiety? Research suggests genetics and brain chemistry play roles, as well as environmental stressors like trauma, abuse, grief, or chronic stress. Anxiety can also arise spontaneously without an identifiable cause.

Luckily, anxiety is very treatable with professional help. Treatment often includes therapy techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as anti-anxiety medications like SSRI antidepressants.

At Vital Hormone Clinic, we also find many patients benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy. Our naturopathic doctors can determine if hormone imbalances are contributing to your anxiety and help create an individualized treatment plan.

In summary:

• Anxiety refers to a group of disorders marked by excessive fear, worry, avoidance, and physical symptoms.


• It differs from normal apprehension by being disproportionate, persistent, and interfering with daily life.


• Genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, stress, and other environmental factors can contribute.


• Successful treatment is available in the form of therapy, medication, holistic approaches, or often a combination.

Let us know below in the comments - have you struggled with anxiety personally? What coping strategies or lifestyle changes have you found helpful?