Anxiety

Do you often feel restless, agitated, or overwhelmed by worries and thoughts of what might go wrong? Anxiety can interfere with your ability to perform at work or school, strain family life, challenge romantic relationships, and make for difficult interpersonal interactions.

Key points

Overview

Do you often experience anxiety, restlessness, low motivation, or challenges in your relationships? Are intrusive thoughts a regular presence in your life? Do you frequently feel insecure or worry about what others think of you? These emotional difficulties may be linked to an anxiety disorder. The good news is that anxiety typically responds well to treatment.

Anxiety is extremely common

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than one in five US adults between 18 and 60 experienced an anxiety disorder in the last year.

Even prior to COVID-19, the prevalence of anxiety was on the rise. The epidemic just amplified this secular long-term tendency. Before and during the epidemic, psychologists and social workers measured an increase in the severity and frequency of emotional issues. In fact, the “Hedonometer” at the University of Vermont measured the lowest level of human happiness ever recorded in the United States.

Modern life creates a perfect storm for anxiety. Working from home, having fewer social interactions, less time with friends, looser familial ties, spending more time indoors, and large doses of screen time all contribute to the increase in anxiety. A growing number of individuals are finding it difficult to manage their stress. Some people use alcohol to self-medicate or adopt other unhealthy behaviors.

Anxiety levels, once elevated, tend to stay high or get higher

Anxiety is a natural response built into the brain to help us react to threats. For example, it alerts us when a bear appears in the woods or a car speeds toward us, allowing us to respond quickly. It can also give us a surge of energy when we’re rushing to catch a plane or meet a work deadline.

However, when we fail to respond effectively to an anxiety trigger—or when the trigger persists—our brains can become stuck in stress-driven patterns. This can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms that keep us feeling anxious long after the initial threat has passed.

Types of anxiety disorders

Anxiety can appear differently in different people and at different times in their lives. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias are all anxiety-related disorders.

Symptoms

Your symptoms may depend on the specific anxiety disorder that you experience.

Social anxiety may make it difficult to speak up at work or school, engage in social situations, or even leave the house.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) often involves persistent feelings of worry or dread. Additional symptoms can include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, irritability, headaches, muscle tension, stomachaches, or unexplained physical pain.
Panic attacks can include a racing heart, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or a sense of losing control.
Phobias are intense fears that are disproportionate to the actual danger posed by a person, object, or situation. Examples include fear of flying, heights, or enclosed spaces.

Causes and risk factors

Both hereditary and environmental factors can influence the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. A family history of anxiety or other mental health challenges, as well as exposure to stressful or adverse life events, can increase your risk.

Certain physical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or heart arrhythmias, are also linked to a higher risk of anxiety. Additionally, high caffeine intake or substance use can make anxiety more likely or exacerbate existing symptoms.

Treatment for anxiety

Anxiety disorders often respond well to psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” For therapy to be most effective, it should be tailored to your specific experiences. With the right therapist and approach, you can restore balance in your life—living with fewer worries, feeling calmer and more content, and being more present to enjoy a fuller, more meaningful life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals develop alternative ways of thinking, responding, and reacting to situations to reduce anxiety and fear. It is one of the most extensively researched therapies.

Exposure therapy: A CBT-based approach, exposure therapy addresses the worries underlying an anxiety disorder, helping individuals gradually re-engage in activities they have been avoiding. It is sometimes combined with relaxation exercises.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT uses mindfulness, goal-setting, and other strategies to reduce discomfort and anxiety.

Medication: Medication can support lifestyle changes and complement psychotherapy, helping stabilize mood, improve functioning at home and work, and support self-care. When combined with healthy routines—such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise—medication can reinforce your ability to manage anxiety effectively.

Reach out today

If you’re ready to move forward from anxiety and begin the journey towards a calm, content life, reach out to Dr. Medina. Call or fill out the contact form below and click Send.