Anxiety

Mental Health and Wellness Clinics located in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD

Anxiety services offered in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD

If you’ve ever had an anxiety attack, you know the paralyzing fear that ensues. At Sage Mental Wellness, with locations in both Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland, Audra Worthington, MSN, PMHNP-BC, and Tammy Lewis, PMHNP-BC, help you understand your anxiety. The practice strives to help you get the treatment you need to overcome the intense and scary feelings associated with anxiety disorders. To find out how they can help, call one of the offices in Maryland today or book a consultation on the website


Anxiety Q & A

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal response that everyone has to something that scares them. For instance, you may get anxiety before performing on stage or when you have to give a speech. However, while some anxiety is normal, it’s a whole different problem when it negatively impacts your life.

There are several types of anxiety, with the most common form being general anxiety disorder. This often presents as irrational fear or constant worry over something that shouldn’t cause you so much distress.

Other forms of anxiety include phobias and panic disorders. Each type of anxiety negatively affects your life and causes irrational worry and fear.

 

What causes anxiety?

Many circumstances can lead up to anxiety. There could be one specific cause or numerous factors that play into your diagnosis. Some of the reasons you’re dealing with anxiety might include:

  • Family history
  • Childhood trauma
  • Physical health issues
  • Extreme stress 
  • Your environment

Brain chemistry also plays a role in your risk of developing anxiety. When your brain chemicals aren’t at normal levels, it leads to mental health issues like anxiety.

 

How do I know if I have anxiety?

When you have anxiety, you’ll notice several different symptoms, depending on the severity of the condition. Some common signs and symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Avoiding situations due to fear
  • Chest tightness
  • Muscle tension
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Aches and pains
  • Anxious thoughts

You may also feel physical symptoms like gastrointestinal upset and body trembling. When you’re experiencing extreme anxiety, you may also begin to sweat. All of these issues are related to your body’s response to the fear related to your disorder.

 

How is anxiety managed?

The good news is that the team successfully manages anxiety with many different treatments. The two main treatments used for anxiety disorders include:

 

cognitive-behavioral therapy

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that explores what’s causing your anxiety, so you can change your thoughts. This type of therapy also helps you confront what causes your anxiety, so you are eventually able to face it and move past it.

 

Medications

The team at Sage Mental Wellness also provides medications to help ease your symptoms. Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are used to subdue your symptoms and allow you to live a functional life.

 

To get help for anxiety disorders, call the Sage Mental Wellness team today, or book a consultation on the website.