Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America — they affect 31.9% of adolescents and 31.1% of American adults experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Will Lambert, PMHNP, FNP, and the experienced providers at Optimus Health and Wellness offer expert anxiety treatments to patients aged 12 and older. The practice provides in-person and telehealth appointments to the community in The Woodlands, Texas, and telehealth care to patients in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Vermont, Maine, and Maryland. To start your healing journey, call the friendly staff today or schedule an appointment online.

What is anxiety? 

Anxiety consists of a group of mental health disorders that cause intense feelings of worry that last for longer than six months. Stress or dread around work, school, health, pregnancy, finances, or relationships may be the root of your or your adolescent’s anxiety. 

Sometimes anxiety manifests only as generalized feelings of uneasiness, or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but it can also develop into panic attacks and phobias. 

Although the cause of anxiety is unknown, brain chemistry, family history, or trauma may lead to the disorder. Women are also more than twice as likely as men to have anxiety. Hormonal changes, like during a menstrual cycle, can trigger anxiety. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Common physical symptoms of anxiety include:

• Racing or pounding heart 
• Hot flashes 
• Shortness of breath or hyperventilation 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle aches or pain
• Trembling or sweating 
• Insomnia 
• Headaches or migraines
• Upset stomach, diarrhea, or frequent urination

If symptoms appear suddenly without a clear trigger, you may have panic disorder. 

Emotional signs of anxiety can include: 

• Apprehension or dread
• Overthinking 
• Restlessness 
• Irritability 
• Tenseness 
• Believing a situation is threatening when it isn’t 
• Trouble focusing 

Teenagers with anxiety may often avoid school or social plans or overly worry about school assignments or performance. 

What are my anxiety treatment options? 

Optimus Health and Wellness is passionate about treating anxiety holistically with a combination of treatments. 

Psychotherapy 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps you understand anxiety triggers. Through repeated sessions, your provider enables you to process thoughts or situations that cause fear or worry. 

If your anxiety has led to a phobia, your provider may encourage exposure therapy. This helps you engage safely with situations or objects you fear. 

You may also benefit from self-management tools like yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques, or outside support groups.

Medications 

Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can alleviate anxiety by preventing nerve cells in your brain from reabsorbing serotonin — a chemical that manages your mood. Lexapro®, Zoloft®, and Prozac® are effective options.

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® and Valium,® can be addictive, so your provider may only prescribe them for acute anxiety.

Call Optimus Health and Wellness today to learn more about anxiety treatment or book a consultation online.