Anxiety Issues
Anxiety issues can make everyday life feel overwhelming, even when there is no clear danger. They may show up as constant worry, racing thoughts, panic, trouble sleeping, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.
Therapy can help people understand their anxiety, recognize triggers, and learn practical tools to manage symptoms. With the right support, many people are able to reduce anxiety, feel more in control, and improve their daily quality of life.
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Common Anxiety
Everyone feels anxious or stressed at times. You might feel nervous before a class presentation, a job interview, or a medical procedure. These are normal, everyday feelings that everyone experiences from day-to-day. They usually pass once the stressful event is over.
Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder is different from everyday stress. The fear or worry is stronger, lasts longer, and can get in the way of daily life. It may cause someone to avoid normal activities. It can also affect school, work, friendships, family life, and relationships.
Key Numbers
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States. They affect about 40 million adults aged 18 and older each year. Anxiety disorders are very treatable, but only about 36.9% of people who struggle with them get treatment.
Facts About Anxiety
Very Common
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder. Nearly 30% of adults will experience one at some point in life. This means anxiety disorders are not rare. Many people deal with them, even if they do not talk about it.
Body Symptoms
Anxiety can affect both the mind and the body. People may feel worried, tense, or like something bad is about to happen. They may also have physical symptoms that include restlessness, sweating, heart palpitations, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or trouble sleeping.
Beyond Nervousness
Anxiety disorders are more than normal nervousness. They involve fear or anxiety that feels too big for the situation. This can make daily tasks feel much harder than they used to or should. It can also make people avoid things they need or want to do.
Possible Causes
Anxiety disorders can have many causes. These may include trauma, long-term stress, illness, substance withdrawal, or family history. They often begin during the teenage years. Anyone can have an anxiety disorder, but they are more common in women and girls.
Higher Risk
People who were neglected or abused as children may have a higher risk of anxiety disorders. Adults who are currently neglected or abused may also be at higher risk. Anxiety can range from mild to severe. Because of this, some people may not realize they have an anxiety disorder, especially if they have felt anxious for a long time.
Anxiety Symptoms
01
Tension Fatigue
Ongoing anxiety can leave the body feeling tense and tired. Constant worry can cause muscle tension, headaches, or body aches. It can also drain a person’s energy. Over time, anxiety can make even simple tasks feel exhausting.
02
Sleep Problems
Anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep. It can also make it hard to stay asleep. A person may lie awake because their mind will not slow down. They may feel nervous, fearful, or tense even when they are tired.
03
Feeling Irritated
Stress causes the body to release certain hormones. When this happens too often, it can leave a person feeling tense, upset, or easily irritated. Someone may feel agitated even when there is no clear reason. This can affect how they talk to or treat others.
04
Feeling Restless
Restlessness is another common sign of anxiety. A person may feel on edge for much of the day or most days of the week. This can show up physically, such as fidgeting or feeling unable to sit still. It can also happen mentally, such as having racing thoughts or jumping from one worry to another.
05
Strong Fears
Some anxiety disorders cause intense fears about specific situations. For example, someone may fear public places, being alone, speaking in front of others, or being around people. These fears may feel irrational, but they still feel very real to the person. If fear stops someone from doing normal life activities, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
06
Excessive Worry
Most people worry more when a problem is serious and less when it is small. For example, losing a job would usually cause more worry than changing a work assignment. With an anxiety disorder, worry can feel constant or much bigger than the situation. A person may worry about many things every day and avoid normal activities because of it.
07
Physical Signs
Anxiety can create strong physical symptoms. These may include a fast heartbeat, heart palpitations, rapid breathing, sweating, shaking, stomach pain, or trouble concentrating. Some people may also have panic attacks. Having one panic attack does not always mean someone has an anxiety disorder, but frequent panic attacks or repeated symptoms may be a warning sign.
Anxiety Types
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is often called OCD. It involves unwanted repeated thoughts, called obsessions, and repeated actions, called compulsions. Examples may include repeated hand washing, checking, counting, or cleaning. These actions may bring short-term relief, but the anxiety often comes back.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear. These episodes are called panic attacks. Physical symptoms may include chest pain, a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or stomach distress. Panic attacks can feel frightening, even when there is no immediate danger.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is often called PTSD. It can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a terrifying event. These events may include assault, accidents, disasters, combat, or other situations where serious harm happened or was threatened. PTSD can cause fear, flashbacks, nightmares, and strong emotional distress.
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is often called GAD. It involves ongoing worry, tension, and anxiety. The worry may happen even when there is little or no clear reason for it. A person with GAD may feel anxious most days and find it hard to control their worry.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is also called social phobia. It involves intense fear or self-consciousness in social situations. Some people fear one specific situation, such as public speaking or eating in front of others. Others may feel anxious in many social settings or almost any time they are around people.
Risk Factors
Family History
Anxiety disorders can run in families. A person may have a higher risk if close biological relatives have anxiety or another mental health condition. This does not mean someone will definitely develop anxiety. It only means the risk may be higher.
Childhood Traits
Some children are naturally shy or cautious. These traits may increase the chance of developing anxiety later in life. This is especially true if the child also experiences stress, fear, or unsafe environments. Early support can make a big difference.
Life Stress
Stressful or negative life events can increase the risk of anxiety. These events can happen in childhood or adulthood. Examples may include trauma, loss, abuse, neglect, major life changes, or ongoing conflict. Long-term stress can wear down both the mind and body.
Health Factors
Some physical health conditions can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms. These may include thyroid problems or heart rhythm issues. Caffeine, medications, alcohol, or other substances can also increase anxiety symptoms. A medical checkup can help rule out physical causes.
Stress Anxiety
Key Difference
Stress and anxiety can feel similar. Both can cause worry, tension, sleep problems, and physical discomfort. Stress is usually connected to a specific outside problem. Anxiety often includes ongoing fear or nervousness, even when the problem is unclear or has passed.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress means stress that lasts for a long time. It can wear a person down mentally, emotionally, and physically. If chronic stress is ignored, it can lead to health problems. It can also increase the risk of anxiety and other mental health concerns.
Getting Help
Anxiety disorders are treatable. Support may include counseling, lifestyle changes, coping skills, medication, or a mix of these options. If anxiety is affecting daily life, it is a good idea to reach out for help. Talking with a mental health professional can be an important first step.
Abalance Client-Centered Counseling
Providing Convenient and Effective Counseling In The Central Valley And Coastal Region
Our office is dedicated to providing the best mental health services to ALL people in our community regardless of income.
We have a team of professionals that are continually sharpening their skills as mental health providers and attend regular training from the Clinical Director. Having a competent and knowledgeable therapist is only part of it.
We are also a group of caring and compassionate people that strive to make your time with us a safe, comfortable and rewarding experience.
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression Disorders
- Grief And Loss Issues
- Trauma Dynamics
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Frequently Asked Questions?
We have a team of professionals that are continually sharpening their skills as mental health providers and attend regular training from the Clinical Director. Having a competent and knowledgeable therapist is only part of it.
Are You Accepting New Clients?
Yes. Abalance Client-Centered Counseling is accepting new clients including kids age 12+. We offer Teletherapy Sessions and in-office visits.
Do I Need a Referral?
No. You can contact us directly and we will get your insurance eligibility established and schedule your first appointment. Your Health Plan may require an additional call to get a registration number after you have already established as a client in our office. We have a team here to help guide you through these things if you need assistance.
Do You Accept Insurance?
Yes, we currently accept HPSJ (Health Plan Of San Joaquin) and CCAH (Central California Alliance) MediCal Insurances. Abalance Client-Centered Counseling also accepts most Blue Cross Insurances. If you any questions, please contact our office directly for additional information.
For other insurances, we provide an out-of-network option for you to bill your insurance and get reimbursed for up to 80% of your therapy costs in our offices.
Do You Treat Substance Abuse?
No, we treat mild/moderate symptoms for a variety of issues, but not alcohol and drug issues. If you have an addiction or are seeking sobriety, we refer out to a professional that treats substance abuse.
What If I Can’t Attend Weekly Sessions?
Weekly sessions are the best care option for mental health outcomes, but we also provide an every other week option, or Teletherapy if you have a hectic schedule.