Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in the U.S. with an estimated 40 million adults meeting the criteria each year. Children and teenagers are also at-risk of developing anxiety while about 8% of youth are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. With only 1 in 3 people receiving treatment, we must open up the communication lines about anxiety disorders and spread awareness about available resources.  

Because anxiety is a flexible term used to explain the biological reactions that arise in certain circumstances, we must recognize the difference between natural responses to stress—such as the sensation before a big presentation or a first date—and that of an anxiety disorder. 

Here, we’ll discuss what it means to have an anxiety disorder and many of the misconceptions. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and options available when seeking help are some of the most proactive steps you can take to improve your health and wellness. 

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), “Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness, and involve excessive fear or anxiety.” Such diagnoses can result from multiple factors surrounding genetics, neurochemistry, and life experiences.

While someone who feels anxious may feel temporary discomfort in a particular situation, someone with a diagnosable anxiety disorder will typically display avoidant behavior towards the person, place, or thing that could trigger or worsen their anxiety. 

Like most mental health conditions, anxiety disorders manifest differently from one person to the next;  whereas some experience a wide range of symptoms, often which are debilitating, others experience symptoms which are more manageable or tolerated. Symptoms can vary in frequency and duration and may cause mild or severe disruption to one’s daily functioning. 

To be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, a psychiatrist will determine if the fear or anxiety is disproportionate to the situation presented and if a hindrance to the individual’s daily functioning. It’s also possible to have a diagnosis of more than one anxiety disorder at a time and to experience co-occurring conditions.

Many types of anxiety disorders can affect someone’s quality of life:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Separation Anxiety Disorder. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Symptoms of anxiety disorders will vary as no two people perceive biological and psychological changes in the same way. Though, a disruption in daily functioning, either mild or severe, is generally experienced by most. 

Anxiety disorders can include psychological and physical symptoms, such as: 

• Excessive worry/feelings of impending doom

• Difficult concentrating or staying focused 

• Restlessness/irritability

• Trembling or shaking 

• Sensations of choking 

• Shortness of breath  

• Pounding or racing heart

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Somatic complaints (upset stomach, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches) 

Children and young adults may also experience:

• Fear of not fitting in

• Low self-confidence

• Perfectionism/fear of being a “disappointment”

• Need for approval and reassurance from others

• Difficulty with time management and completion of tasks

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing overwhelming, persistent anxiety or your daily functioning is affected, consider reaching out to a mental health professional that can better assess and connect you with the most appropriate treatment. Becoming desensitized to or tolerant of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder is serious as this can delay treatment or lead to other mental health concerns over time. It can be challenging to ask others for support when we need it the most, though doing so serves as a gateway for restoring our health and well-being. 

Treatment is Available

To anyone suffering from an anxiety disorder or other mental health condition, remember that you’re not alone and there are several techniques proven to be effective: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy and Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Seeking assistance from a trained professional will allow you to find the line of treatment that will work best for you. 

Some individuals will respond to treatment more quickly than others which can be due to many factors—the severity of symptoms, how long symptoms have been present, and if there are co-occurring disorders to treat, among others. Treatment can last weeks, months, or years and be ongoing throughout one’s life. Whichever path of treatment is best suited for you, in time you will feel the weight of your anxiety lift and your happiness and well-being improve.

At Hope Mountain Behavioral Health, a specialized team of therapists can help you address your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

• Contact us through email: admin@myhopemountian.org

• Call us direct and begin the intake process: 719-465-0900

Insurance we accept: Medicaid, subscription plans, self-pay
*Additional case management services offered to Medicaid holders

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2021, June). What are Anxiety Disorders? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders

Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Myths and misconceptions about Anxiety: Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/myths-realities. 

Mental Health Foundation. (2020, September 24). Generalized anxiety. Mental Health Foundation. https://mentalhealthfoundation.org/health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/generalized-anxiety

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018, July). Anxiety disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders