Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders happen when the mind's natural alarm system gets stuck in the "on" position. Instead of warning you about real danger, it fires over everyday things — work, health, relationships, social situations — or sometimes for no clear reason at all.

Anxiety takes several forms, and many people experience more than one:

• Generalized anxiety — persistent, hard-to-control worry about many areas of life, often with restlessness, tension, and trouble sleeping.
• Panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear with a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or a feeling that something terrible is about to happen. They can feel like a medical emergency even when they aren't.
• Social anxiety — intense fear of being judged or embarrassed, leading people to avoid conversations, classes, meetings, or gatherings they'd otherwise want to be part of.

Anxiety is also physical. Headaches, stomach trouble, muscle tension, fatigue, and a pounding heart are common — which is why many people see several doctors for physical symptoms before anyone names the anxiety underneath.

Common signs and symptoms

• Worry that feels excessive and difficult to switch off
• Feeling restless, keyed up, or on edge most days
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because your mind won't quiet down
• Irritability or difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms — racing heart, sweating, shakiness, stomach upset, muscle tension
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger anxious feelings
• Sudden episodes of intense fear or panic that seem to come out of nowhere

How is anxiety treated?

Treatment starts with a thorough psychiatric evaluation. We take the time to understand your symptoms, health history, and life circumstances — including ruling out medical causes and other conditions that can look like anxiety. From there, we build a personalized plan together.

Depending on what fits you best, your plan may include:

• Therapy — evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy help you understand your anxiety, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and gradually take back the situations you've been avoiding.
• Medication management — when medication is appropriate, our providers choose it carefully, start conservatively, and follow up regularly to adjust as needed.
• GeneSight® genetic testing — if past medications haven't worked well or caused side effects, a simple cheek swab can give us insight into how your body may process certain medications.
• Telehealth — for many people with anxiety, being seen from home makes it easier to start and stick with care. We see patients by secure video anywhere in Tennessee.

Anxiety responds well to treatment. Many people notice meaningful relief within weeks of starting a plan, and most find that symptoms become far more manageable over time.

When to reach out

You don't need to wait until anxiety is unbearable. If worry, panic, or avoidance has been interfering with your sleep, work, school, or relationships for a few weeks or more — or if you're simply tired of feeling this way — that's reason enough to talk with someone. We treat patients ages 13 and up, and getting started is as simple as filling out a form or calling 615-716-8255.