Anxiety

Overwhelming emotions like worry and fear can leave you feeling powerless and unsure about how to continue your daily activities. Generalized anxiety disorder, usually referred to simply as anxiety, affects about 40 million men and women in the United States, but less than half of those suffering from anxiety receive treatment. Sheritha Chambliss, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, of Christie's Family Health LLC, assesses and treats anxiety to help patients regain control over their emotions so they can enjoy life to its fullest. To schedule an assessment with Sheritha, call the office in Houston, Texas, or book one online today.

What is anxiety?

While experiencing some degree of anxiety is considered normal, when it becomes excessive and starts interfering with your daily life, it is known as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety typically arises from internal psychological concerns such as health, loss, death, injury, shame and humiliation, aggressive or angry feelings, and conflicts over guilt.

Certain common symptoms associated with anxiety include:

• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal distress.

Anxiety can lead to intense and unpleasant psychological states, including feelings of apprehension, terror, doom, or utter helplessness.

What are the causes of anxiety?

Anxiety can be triggered by various factors, including ongoing general stresses such as work or family pressures, as well as specific stressors like job loss or relocation. Personal histories involving physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, neglect, or the experience of a traumatic event can also contribute to the development of anxiety.

Are there different types of anxiety?

Yes, anxiety can manifest in different forms, each presenting a range of symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors.

Panic disorders

These involve sudden anxiety attacks that can last from minutes to hours, often accompanied by a fear of impending doom or losing control. Physical symptoms such as palpitations and sweating are common during such attacks, leading individuals to avoid situations that trigger them.

Social anxiety

While some individuals might experience occasional shyness, persistent fear of public speaking, or constant worries about being humiliated can lead to a pattern of avoidance, limiting one's engagement with life.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Excessive worries about the future can result in a sense of being out of control and hinder one's ability to participate in meaningful activities. Restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and catastrophic thinking are common signs of this disorder.

Phobias

Phobias involve an irrational fear of specific objects or situations that typically pose minimal real danger. Examples include the fear of snakes, elevators, heights, or flying, leading to anxiety-driven avoidance.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Experiencing a traumatic event such as assault, accidents, life-threatening illnesses, or unexpected deaths of loved ones can increase the risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, insomnia, irritability, poor concentration, and heightened startle response.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder and are considering therapy, call Christie's Family Health LLC for an initial consultation or request an appointment online today.