1. What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal response to stress, but it becomes a disorder when excessive worry, fear, or nervousness interferes with daily life.

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2. What are common symptoms of anxiety?

• Rapid heartbeat

• Stomach upset

• Racing thoughts

• Feeling on edge

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Fear of the worst

• Restlessness

• Irritability

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3. How do I know if I have an anxiety disorder?

If your worry or fear is intense, persistent, and affects work, school, or relationships, you may have an anxiety disorder. A licensed provider can evaluate and diagnose you.

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4. What types of anxiety disorders exist?

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about daily life.

• Panic Disorder: Sudden panic attacks with physical symptoms like heart palpitations.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of social situations or being judged.

• Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations.

• Agoraphobia: Fear of leaving home or being in crowds.

• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety when separated from loved ones.

• Selective Mutism: Difficulty speaking in certain social settings.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

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5. What causes anxiety disorders?

Causes include genetics, brain chemistry, personality, past trauma, and environmental stressors. Often, multiple factors contribute.

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6. How is anxiety diagnosed?

A licensed mental health provider will assess symptoms, medical history, and severity to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder.

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7. What treatment options are available for anxiety?

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, or talk therapy.

• Medication: SSRIs, SNRIs, or other medications prescribed by a provider.

• Lifestyle interventions: Mindfulness, exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management.

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8. Can anxiety be treated with therapy alone?

Yes. Many people benefit from therapy alone, especially CBT, which teaches coping strategies and reduces avoidance behaviors.

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9. Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Yes. Anxiety can cause rapid heartbeat, stomach upset, restlessness, headaches, muscle tension, and sleep difficulties.

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10. How quickly does anxiety treatment work?

Therapy may take a few weeks to months to see improvement. Medication can take 2–6 weeks for full effect. Consistency and follow-up are key.

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11. How can I manage anxiety daily?

• Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises

• Regular exercise

• Adequate sleep

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol

• Journaling thoughts

• Structured routine

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12. When should I see a provider for anxiety?

Seek help if anxiety interferes with work, school, or relationships, causes panic attacks or severe physical symptoms, or lasts several months or worsens over time.

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13. Is anxiety different from normal stress?

Yes. Stress is temporary and situation-specific, while anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that affects daily functioning.

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14. Can children and teens have anxiety disorders?

Yes. Anxiety is common in youth and can appear as school avoidance, irritability, selective mutism, or social fear. Early intervention improves outcomes.

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15. How do different anxiety disorders feel?

• GAD: Constant worry

• Panic Disorder: Sudden intense fear

• Social Anxiety: Fear of embarrassment

• Phobias: Avoidance of specific triggers

• OCD: Repetitive thoughts and rituals

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16. Can anxiety co-occur with other mental health conditions?

Yes. Anxiety often co-occurs with depression, PTSD, ADHD, or substance use disorders. Integrated care is recommended.

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17. Are there online or telehealth options for anxiety treatment?

Yes. Spring Creek MHS offers telemedicine visits for therapy and psychiatric follow-ups.

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18. What resources are available for anxiety support?

• Mental health hotlines (988 in the U.S.)

• Spring Creek MHS blog and resource pages

• Guided meditation and mindfulness apps

• Support groups for anxiety