When we think of “anxiety,” we often think of feeling stressed. In reality, anxiety is our body’s reaction to a threat. Without it, we might not respond to danger—and survival would be unlikely.

But anxiety isn’t just about life-or-death situations. Because our minds are wired to protect us, we often perceive more threats than actually exist, which can make anxiety feel stronger than necessary.

All humans experience anxiety, and for many, it can feel overwhelming. About 19% of adults in the United States struggle with it every day.

Having anxiety, or an anxiety disorder, doesn’t mean someone is weak. With the right care, they can manage it and lead happy, successful lives.

So What Exactly Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is our body’s normal reaction to stress. When we’re presented with potential danger, our bodies respond to that stress.

Fear is a similar emotional response. Fear is the body’s response to a real or perceived imminent threat, and anxiety is our body—and mind—anticipating a future threat.

For example, if you’re starting a new job, waiting for test results from a doctor, or driving in bad weather, you may feel anxious. This is a normal reaction to our emotions and happens to everyone. When anxiety stops being temporary fear or worry, it may be a sign that help is needed.

A person who has an anxiety disorder may always be anxious or easily become anxious about many things. Temporary fear or worry is normal, but if the feelings associated with anxiety disorders linger, they can continue to get worse over time.

Through understanding the condition and seeking the right treatment, anxiety can be managed.

What Causes Anxiety?

In the U.S., nearly one-third of people will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Though the disorders are often diagnosed in early adolescent years, they can appear at any time.

There’s a biological component to anxiety. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in our brain that send messages about how we’re supposed to feel. If they aren’t sending the right messages at the right time, people may be more likely to experience anxiety.

Research has shown that both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Some risks for developing anxiety disorders include but are not limited to:

  • Exposure to stressful events in early childhood or adulthood
  • Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions
  • Unpredictable bouts of shyness in childhood

Some physical conditions can also worsen the symptoms of anxiety. A heart arrhythmia, caffeine intake, or medication side effects can create or increase the severity of anxiety symptoms.

If You Need Help for Anxiety, Seek It

Anxiety is common, but only a third of people with an anxiety disorder seek help. If you are experiencing prolonged anxiety or anxiety that causes you significant distress or impairs your ability to function, it may be time to seek help.

If you experience any of the following symptoms for longer than six months, you should consider seeking help from a health care professional:

  • Excessive anxiety or worry about various events or activities, occurring more days than not, for at least six months
  • Difficulty controlling the worry
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Spending increased time alone or avoiding social events
  • Suicidal ideation (thinking about harming yourself)
  • Experience disruptions to daily life and/or relationships because of obsessions and compulsions
  • Cannot control your thoughts or behaviors even when they impact daily life in a negative way
  • A sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or mind going blank
  • Fear or anxiety about one or more social situations where the person is exposed to possible scrutiny by others

Anxiety disorders should be diagnosed by licensed clinicians, such as mental health professionals or primary care providers.

If your anxiety has physical symptoms, a provider may run lab tests during the evaluation to make sure that other conditions aren’t causing symptoms. X-rays, scans, or other imaging studies may also be required before a diagnosis is made.

The provider will ask a series of questions from a standardized questionnaire about anxiety disorders or may have the patient complete a self-assessment of symptoms.

Anxiety often occurs alongside other mental health conditions. Conditions like depression, substance misuse, PTSD, and OCD may also be present. If this is the case, additional screenings and treatment may be required.

How Is Anxiety Treated?

Common treatments for anxiety include therapies and medication if needed. Like each person who experiences anxiety, all treatment options are unique and can be tailored to the person seeking care.

Therapies

Anxiety has multiple therapy options for treatment, including talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT).

Talk therapy helps treat people with many mental health conditions. They may be solo sessions, with parents or families, or in a group. Patients can work with a therapist to understand and control their anxiety.

CBT is a very effective treatment. It helps the patients think and behave differently when experiencing anxiety. It can also help patients identify and change negative thought patterns.

ACT is a behavioral therapy that applies self-acceptance with mindfulness practices. It helps achieve psychological flexibility. As a result, patients better manage their anxiety and stay present in the moment.

IPT is a shorter-term treatment for anxiety. In IPT, patients learn to understand underlying interpersonal issues to better express emotion.

Medication

Different types of medications can be used to treat anxiety. Using medication can be especially helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms when beginning therapy.

Antidepressant medications, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can help relieve anxiety symptoms. They are also used to reduce depression symptoms that can often occur alongside anxiety.

Some medications aren’t effective immediately at lowering anxiety. It may take anywhere from two to six weeks for a person to feel a difference.

If you are put on a medication for your anxiety, don’t stop taking it unless you are told to. Many people stop taking medication for anxiety once they start feeling better. This is simply a sign that it is working—and your symptoms can return if you stop taking it.

It’s important for you and your doctor to discuss:

  • The benefits and side effects of each
  • The risk of side effects based on other conditions or your medical history
  • If medication will require other lifestyle changes
  • If there will be any effects to any other medication you may be taking

Lowering Stress

Stress management, when practiced alongside other anxiety-lowering methods, can be very effective. Meditation and deep breathing techniques can help calm your nervous system, which lowers anxiety and enhances the effects of therapy.

Other helpful strategies to lower stress include:

  • Taking time every day to unwind, including screen-less time
  • Limiting caffeine intake, especially after noon
  • Exercise
  • Healthy sleeping patterns, including having a regular bedtime every day
  • Learning your anxiety triggers

Anxiety Is Treatable—And Manageable

Don’t lose hope!

Anxiety disorders are far more common than many realize. If you feel that you or a loved one may have anxiety, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

It may be difficult for others to understand if they haven’t experienced it themselves. By explaining that we all have anxiety—some of us just have more of it than others—we can aid others in understanding their anxiousness.

Anxiety is a chronic condition that many believe will get better on its own. That’s not the case. However, it’s manageable, common, and nothing to be embarrassed or scared of.

Contact your primary care provider or a mental health facility like McLean to find the care that you—or a loved one—may need.