Anxiety

Anxiety fills an important role by giving you the energy to face a difficult situation, but it can also turn into a persistent and overwhelming problem that stops you from enjoying life. The skilled team at Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia, treats anxiety in people of all ages. They create treatment plans tailored to improve your anxiety, while also supporting your optimal health and wellness. Call the office or connect online today to schedule an appointment and begin treatment that effectively relieves your anxiety.

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is the feeling of fear that occurs when you face a difficult or dangerous situation. It’s also the feeling of dread you experience when you anticipate a challenging event in the future.

You may have anxiety over many current or past issues. Anxiety arises from everyday challenges like starting a new job, going to an interview, or the first day at a new school. Many people live with anxiety because they’re bullied or face emotional abuse or prejudice.

How does anxiety make me feel?

Anxiety causes emotional symptoms like fear, dread, irritability, and nervousness. You will also have physical and cognitive symptoms, such as:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Pounding heart
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss

You could also have panic attacks, which cause chest pain, dizziness, sweating, and difficulty breathing.

When should I seek help for anxiety?

No matter what causes your anxiety, you should consider seeking help when your anxiety:

• Persists after the dreaded situation ends
• Turns into a frequent or constant problem
• Arises even when you don’t face a dreaded situation
• Makes you change your daily activities to avoid whatever makes you anxious

These signs indicate your anxiety is unlikely to improve without treatment from the caring providers at Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc.

What anxiety disorders could I develop?

You may develop one of the following anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (constant anxiety over everyday issues)
• Social anxiety disorder (anxiety when meeting new people or giving presentations)
• Separation anxiety (fear that you or family members will suffer harm when separated)
• Specific phobia (powerful fear over an object or situation)
• Panic disorder (sudden, unexpected, and repeated panic attacks)
• Agoraphobia (fear of leaving home alone or being in an enclosed space)

Anxiety disorders cause severe symptoms that interfere with your daily life.

What treatments improve anxiety?

You may need medication management for moderate to severe symptoms or panic attacks. In most cases, anxiety responds well to therapy.

Your provider may recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS sends magnetic pulses into the precise area of your brain associated with anxiety. The pulses stimulate nerve activity, helping your anxiety disappear.

As a holistic practice, Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc. also focuses on lifestyle changes proven to ease anxiety. For example, they may teach relaxation techniques or nutritional strategies.

Call Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc., or use online booking to schedule an evaluation and start anxiety treatment.