Just like how breathing is a natural bodily function, experiencing anxiety is a perfectly normal and healthy response to life's challenges and uncertainties. Anxiety is a natural response to stress and part of your biology. Sometimes it’s hard to know when normal anxiety has transitioned into abnormal anxiety. In this blog, we'll take a comprehensive look at anxiety, including its causes, symptoms, types, and treatment options.

Definition of Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease or worry that can manifest in our mind and body when we face stressful situations, such as having to confront someone, a test, public speaking, or an interview. Despite feeling uncomfortable, this feeling is a normal and healthy response to stress! It can actually motivate us to take action or solve problems. If anxiety becomes excessive, interferes with your daily life, or becomes increasingly distressing it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or anxiety. They can make daily life, relationships, work, and school challenging. Anxiety disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI), 31.1% of adults in the USA have experienced an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Mental health professionals use the DSM-5 to diagnose anxiety disorders.

Causes of Anxiety

There is no one cause or reason that leads to the development of an anxiety disorder. There are multiple factors that contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. These include biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Biological Factors

• Anxiety can run in families. Research shows that there can be a genetic component to anxiety.

Psychological Factors

• Trauma, abuse, and stressful life events can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

Environmental Factors

• Life events like a job loss, a breakup, or a death in the family, can trigger anxiety. Living with crime, poverty or racial discrimination can also lead to anxiety.

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Under the umbrella term of “anxiety disorder” are different disorders with unique symptoms. Below are the most common types of anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessive and persistent worry or fear about everyday things. These can include work, family, health, or finances. Physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping can also be present.

Panic Disorder

• Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden and intense feelings of fear or terror, known as panic attacks. Panic attacks can cause physical symptoms, such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. It’s common to avoid situations or places associated with panic attacks, such as crowded places.

Social Anxiety Disorder

• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) involves excessive and persistent fear of social situations or performing in public, such as public speaking, eating in public, or attending parties.

Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety symptoms can feel different to everyone. Below are common ways that individuals can experience the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of anxiety.

Physical Anxiety Symptoms

• Increased heart rate

• Sweating

• Trembling or shaking

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Headaches or migraines

• Fatigue

Emotional Anxiety Symptoms

• Feelings of worry or fear

• Irritability or mood swings

• Difficulty concentrating

• Restlessness or feeling on edge

• Avoidance of situations that cause anxiety

• Constant feelings of dread

• Negative or intrusive thoughts

Behavioral Anxiety Symptoms

• Avoidance of certain situations or places

• Compulsive behaviors, such as hand-washing or checking things repeatedly

• Panic attacks or sudden episodes of extreme fear

• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep

• Substance abuse or addiction

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Anxiety Treatment Options

When it comes to treatment, there are many approaches you can take to treat anxiety! Three common approaches are described below.

Medications for Anxiety

Medications can be used to manage anxiety symptoms and disorders. Common medications used to treat anxiety include:

• Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Cymbalta and Effexor

Anxiety Therapy in Detroit, MI, and surrounding areas.

Psychotherapy can be helpful in learning coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms. Evidenced-based psychotherapy used to treat anxiety that Embodied Wellness, PLLC specializes are:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you become aware of distorted or negative thinking so you can view situations more accurately and respond to them more effectively.

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ACT focuses on the present moment and gives you the tools to accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT helps you learn skills to improve emotion regulation and tolerate distress.

• Somatic therapy.  Somatic therapy helps you learn to befriend your body to tame your mind.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches can be used alone or with other treatments for anxiety disorders. Some CAM approaches that may be helpful for managing anxiety include:

• Acupuncture

• Massage therapy

• Meditation and mindfulness practices

• Herbal supplements

Tips for Managing Anxiety Symptoms

What do you know when you notice you are feeling anxious? Luckily, there are many tips and tricks for managing anxiety. Some people find that distracting themselves with a favorite hobby or activity can help reduce anxiety. Others find that practicing self-compassion, setting realistic expectations, and taking breaks when needed can be effective. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, and eating a healthy diet can also improve mental health and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Journaling and Self-Reflection:

• Journaling can be a helpful coping strategy for anxiety. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain insight into your emotions and triggers. This can help you identify patterns or behaviors that contribute to your anxiety and develop a plan to manage them.

Time Management:

• When you feel overwhelmed and stressed, it just leads to more anxiety. By setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks, you can manage your time better and reduce stress. Time management strategies such as making to-do lists, breaking down larger tasks into smaller ones, and delegating tasks to others can help you feel more in control of your lives.

Developing a Support System:

• Creating a support system is an important aspect of managing anxiety. This can include friends, family members, or an anxiety therapist who can offer emotional support and guidance. Building a support system can help individuals feel less isolated and more empowered to manage their symptoms.

Support Groups:

• Support groups can provide an opportunity for you to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. They can also offer emotional support and practical advice. Support groups can be found online or in person, and they can provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. A great place to find free support groups is www.nami.com.

Start Treatment for Your Anxiety Symptoms Today in Detroit or Anywhere in Michigan

When at-home strategies are not enough, it can be helpful to reach out to an anxiety therapist. A mental health professional can provide support and guidance in managing anxiety symptoms. We have anxiety therapists in Detroit, Michigan, and surrounding areas that specialize in CBT, ACT, DBT, and Somatic therapy for adolescents and adults.

In order to start anxiety treatment at Embodied Wellness, PLLC follow these steps:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation for anxiety treatment today.

2. Make your first appointment with an anxiety therapist in Michigan

3. Start addressing and overcoming your anxiety symptoms

Other Online Therapy Services We Offer in Detroit & Throughout Michigan

At Embodied Wellness, PLLC we offer a variety of services for both adults and teenagers through online therapy in Michigan. Some of specialities we offer include empath counseling and OCD treatment. As well as depression treatment, trauma therapy, and PTSD treatment. Some of the other techniques we use include EMDR therapy and Internal Family Systems. If you are ready to start getting mental health support reach out to us today!

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