What is anxiety?
We all feel anxious or worried at times. Anxiety is our body's natural response to perceived threats or danger. It triggers our "fight-or-flight" response, getting us ready to either confront or avoid the threat.
Anxiety becomes a disorder when:
- The feelings of worry and fear are excessive, lasting for long periods and occurring in seemingly harmless situations.
- The anxiety interferes significantly with daily activities, work, social life, etc.
Some key things to understand about anxiety disorders:
- They are very common, affecting over 40 million American adults each year. So if you struggle with anxiety, you're not alone!
- They develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. It's usually not caused by one single thing.
- With proper treatment, people can effectively manage anxiety disorders and feel freer to live their lives.
Common anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things
- Social anxiety disorder - extreme fear around social situations and interactions
- Panic disorder - sudden, debilitating periods of fright along with physical symptoms
- Phobias - irrational fear about specific objects or situations
Managing anxiety
If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, reach out for help. Effective treatments for anxiety include:
- Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds
- Lifestyle changes around sleep, exercise, nutrition, etc.
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, etc.
At Hormone Harmony, we also find that hormone imbalances often play a key role in anxiety. We offer cutting-edge hormone testing and replacement therapies to help clients regulate cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, and other hormones. Balancing your hormones could be a game-changer for quelling anxiety!
The bottom line is that anxiety is highly treatable. With professional support, lifestyle changes, and a bit of trial-and-error, you can get relief from anxiety symptoms. There are brighter days ahead, so don't lose hope! Reach out today to discuss your treatment options.