What Is Anxiety?

Part of our Anxiety articles. For evaluation and medication management, see anxiety care at Ridge Way.

Anxiety is more than feeling stressed or nervous. It can cast a shadow over daily life and make simple tasks feel daunting.

If you are here looking for answers, you are not alone, and there is help. NIMH estimates that 31.1% of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. This post covers what anxiety is, its signs, types and causes, and ways to find relief.

Defining Anxiety

MedlinePlus describes anxiety as a feeling of fear, dread and uneasiness. It can be a normal reaction to stress, and it may even help you focus or cope with a challenge. But when anxiety is frequent or overwhelming, it can disrupt life, relationships and well-being.

What Anxiety Feels Like

According to MedlinePlus, anxiety often shows up as anxious thoughts that are hard to control, restlessness and tension. Some people have specific triggers, while others live with a constant sense of unease. However it presents, anxiety can feel both isolating and draining.

When Does Anxiety Become a Disorder?

Occasional anxiety is normal. NIMH says that in an anxiety disorder, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time. It can interfere with work, school and relationships. Getting help to understand and manage anxiety can be an important first step toward feeling better.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Knowing the types of anxiety disorders can help you understand what you are experiencing and find the right support. NIMH and MedlinePlus describe the main types below.

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD feel extremely worried or nervous more often or more intensely than others, even when the worry is out of proportion to the situation.
• Panic disorder. People have frequent, unexpected panic attacks. These are sudden waves of fear or a sense of losing control, even when there is no clear danger. Symptoms can include a racing heart, sweating and difficulty breathing.
• Social anxiety disorder. People feel anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated or judged by others. This can lead to avoiding places where there are other people.
• Specific phobias. A phobia is a strong, irrational fear of something that poses little or no real danger. Common examples include heights, flying, animals and blood.
• Separation anxiety disorder. NIMH also counts separation anxiety disorder among the anxiety disorders.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

According to MedlinePlus, the cause of anxiety is unknown. Factors such as genetics, brain biology and chemistry, stress and your environment may all play a role.

• Genetic factors. Family history is a risk factor for anxiety. Genetics is only one part of the picture.
• Brain biology. NIMH says researchers are studying how the brain develops and works in people with anxiety disorders. Brain chemistry is one possible factor among several, not a known cause. Some medications work by changing how the brain produces or uses certain chemicals involved in mood or stress.
• Environmental influences. NIMH notes that experiencing a traumatic event or being in a stressful environment may raise the risk of developing GAD.
• Personality traits. Certain personality traits are a risk factor for anxiety.

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety can show up in physical, emotional and behavioral ways. Knowing these signs can help you identify anxiety and look for support. MedlinePlus and NIMH describe the signs below.

• Physical symptoms. These may include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness and tension. Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, fatigue and sleep problems are also common.
• Emotional symptoms. Anxiety can bring feelings of fear, dread and uneasiness. People may also feel irritable or have trouble concentrating.
• Behavioral symptoms. Many people start to avoid certain activities, people or places. Over time, avoidance can make life feel restrictive.

Diagnosing Anxiety

Diagnosing anxiety involves an assessment by a health care provider to clarify symptoms and suggest helpful treatments. NIMH and MedlinePlus describe these steps.

• Initial discussion. The provider will ask about your symptoms and history.
• Physical examination. The provider may do a physical exam, and sometimes lab tests, to make sure an unrelated physical problem is not causing your symptoms.
• Psychological evaluation. A psychological evaluation helps clarify the type and severity of anxiety.

Available Treatments for Anxiety

Anxiety is treatable, and there are several options for managing symptoms.

• Psychotherapy. According to NIMH, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard psychotherapy for anxiety disorders such as GAD. Exposure therapy helps people gradually confront the fears underlying an anxiety disorder. Ridge Way does not provide therapy, and our medical team can refer you to a therapist. See what we treat and what we refer out.
• Medications. NIMH says SSRIs and SNRIs, also used for depression, are used to treat anxiety and can take several weeks to start working. They work by changing how the brain produces or uses certain chemicals involved in mood or stress. Benzodiazepines act quickly but carry a risk of dependence. Ridge Way does not prescribe benzodiazepines. Learn about medication management at Ridge Way and how antidepressant medication is used.
• Lifestyle adjustments. According to NIMH, reducing caffeine and getting enough sleep can reduce anxiety symptoms when paired with standard care. Caffeine, other substances and certain medicines can make symptoms worse.

Daily Coping Strategies for Anxiety

Alongside professional treatment, some daily strategies can help you manage anxiety.

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques. NIMH says stress management techniques, such as exercise, mindfulness and meditation, can reduce anxiety symptoms and add to the effects of therapy.
• Building a support network. NIMH notes that some people with anxiety disorders benefit from joining a self-help or support group and sharing their problems and achievements with others. Turning to family and friends you trust can help too.

When to Get Help

If anxiety is affecting your ability to work, keep up relationships or enjoy life, it is time to get professional support. There is no shame in reaching out. It is a sign of strength and a step toward relief.

Ridge Way provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults, teens and children age six and older, through telehealth across Georgia and at our Sugar Hill office. We do not provide therapy, and our medical team can refer you to a therapist when therapy is part of the plan. Learn about anxiety care at Ridge Way.

You do not need a referral unless your insurance plan requires one. Request an appointment and we will usually call you back within one business day.

Finding Hope Beyond Anxiety

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to control your life. With understanding, treatment and support, relief is possible. Anxiety is a part of life, but with help, you can manage it and enjoy a fulfilling future.

If this article describes what you have been living with, take the GAD-7 anxiety screener. It takes about two minutes and is a starting point, not a diagnosis.