Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is an uneasy feeling that can consume your thoughts and emotions, leading to chronic stress and other uncomfortable symptoms. At Reflections Behavioral Health, LLC, in Hainesport, New Jersey, Henrietta Udeh, MSN, PMHNP-BC, Eronmwon Balogun, MSN, PMHNP-BC, and their experienced behavioral health team provide personalized care for anxiety disorders that includes therapy, medication management, and individualized coping strategies. Call the mental health clinic today or schedule an appointment online to book an office or telehealth visit.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress that tends to heighten alertness and prepare the body to cope with challenging situations. While everybody experiences anxiety, excessive worry, dread, or nervousness in circumstances that normally wouldn’t warrant it can indicate an underlying anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that involve persistent and intense feelings of worry and fear that significantly affect a person's daily life.

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

Reflections Behavioral Health, LLC, can help manage many types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Selective mutism

Many people have more than one anxiety disorder, while others also experience symptoms of other mental health conditions, like depression.

What are the warning signs of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders can manifest in different ways depending on the type and severity. Telltale signs of anxiety disorders include:

• Excessive worry or fear
• Fatigue or persistent tiredness
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Irritability and agitation
• Muscle tension or aches
• Sleep disturbances
• Panic attacks
• Avoiding situations or places that trigger anxiety
• Physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat
• Social withdrawal
• Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
• Intrusive thoughts or obsessive behaviors 
• Flashbacks or nightmares related to a traumatic event

Understanding your symptoms helps the Reflections Behavioral Health team craft a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique challenges and supports your journey toward managing anxiety.

What causes anxiety disorders?

The exact causes of anxiety disorders are complex and can vary from person to person. Several factors may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, including:

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry
• Environmental factors
• Personality traits
• Medical conditions
• Substance abuse
• Brain structure
• Childhood experiences

Stress, financial strain, relationship issues, and other external stressors can also trigger anxiety disorder symptoms.

What are the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders?

Reflections Behavioral Health, LLC, stresses the importance of personalized strategies for anxiety disorders. Your individualized management plan may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

This type of therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety.

Medication management

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help reduce anxiety symptoms when combined with therapy.

Self-help techniques

The team can recommend exercises, nutritional changes, relaxation strategies, and mindfulness to help relieve anxiety.

Call Reflections Behavioral Health, LLC, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.