Anxiety - Thrive HRT

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent, excessive worry or fear about everyday situations. It can manifest with physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, muscle tension, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. Anxiety comes in many forms at varying levels of severity, such as:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - excessive anxiety or worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. This includes feeling restless, fatigued, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
• Social anxiety - intense fear or anxiety about social situations like meeting new people, talking in meetings, and eating around others.
• Panic disorder - recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with physical symptoms coming on suddenly. Many individuals with panic disorder develop agoraphobia.
• Agoraphobia - fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. Often stems from panic disorder.
• Specific phobias - excessive fear about a specific object or situation such as heights, flying, animals, and needles.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting over 19% of adults each year. While anxiety serves an important evolutionary purpose, excessive or persistent anxiety causes significant life impairment and distress. What causes anxiety? Anxiety disorders have a complex web of potential contributing factors:

• Trauma
• Genetics
• Medical factors
• Substance use
• Environment

How is anxiety treated? Today anxiety is highly treatable through an integrative approach including:

• Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Medications, such as SSRIs or benzodiazepines
• Lifestyle changes like exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutrition
• Mindfulness-based practices like meditation, yoga, and breathwork

By understanding anxiety disorders, individuals can seek proper treatment and find relief. With professional help, research shows most people with anxiety can reduce symptoms and regain quality of life.