Anxiety is a natural response to stress. It is a useful way for your body to alert you to tense or potentially harmful situations. However, excessive anxiety that interferes with daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder.
ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Greenville, North Carolina, offers compassionate, personalized treatment for adults age 18 and older who are experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Through our patient-centered approach and comprehensive care, we strive to help you discover inner peace.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder goes beyond just feeling nervous before a work presentation or uneasy about an upcoming plane trip. It is characterized by unchecked feelings of stress, fear, or dread. These feelings may be generalized or attached to specific stressors, such as personal, professional, or medical worries.
Below are some of the more commonly diagnosed anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder is a condition in which a person feels excessive worry or anxiety about many different things most days for at least six months. The excessive worry is hard to control and often comes with symptoms like restlessness, tiredness, trouble concentrating, muscle tension, and trouble sleeping.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder involves intense fears or anxieties about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. This fear can cause people to avoid social events or endure them with extreme discomfort, and it often interferes with daily life.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder follows a pattern of repeated, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks come on rapidly and can include symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Phobia
Phobia is a strong, lasting fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger. Someone who has a phobia will often go out of their way to avoid the thing they fear, even when it disrupts their daily life.
Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms will vary from person to person. However, generally, symptoms often include persistent, disproportionate worry; restlessness; and fatigue.
Specifically, symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Persistent worry or fear that may or may not be attached to specific stressors
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or pacing
- Fatigue and/or difficulty concentrating
- Trouble speaking or communicating
- Increased irritability
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Avoidance of situations or places that may trigger anxiety
- Intrusive thoughts or feelings of detachment
- Panic attacks, which are characterized by rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
Additionally, anxiety can have a multitude of physical symptoms, including:
- Muscle tension, often in the neck or shoulders
- Headaches or muscle aches
- Dizziness, nausea, or body chills
Stress and worry are a part of life, but when these emotions take over, it may be time to seek professional help. The experts at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital can help you understand and manage the symptoms of anxiety and regain control of your life.
Anxiety Causes & Risk Factors
Anxiety is a complex disorder that can be triggered by a variety of factors. Understanding the underlying causes of the anxiety you feel is helpful for effective symptom management and healing. Here are some of the risk factors that may raise someone’s chances of developing anxiety:
- A family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders
- Chemistry imbalances in parts of the brain that regulate mood
- Stressful life events, such as trauma, abuse, or major life changes
- Chronic stress from work, relationships, or financial problems
- Chronic illnesses or hormonal changes
- Substances like alcohol, drugs, and even caffeine can worsen anxiety symptoms
Potential Effects of Anxiety
Left untreated, anxiety can become overwhelming and impact every area of your life. It can undermine relationships, tarnish work or academic performance, and lead to chronic physical health problems.
Potential effects of untreated anxiety include:
- Impaired relationships and work productivity
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Chronic stress and physical health conditions
- Substance abuse
- Reduced quality of life
- Worsening of symptoms or development of another mental health concern
- Social isolation
Taking the first step toward professional help can feel daunting, but the earlier you can address the symptoms and underlying causes of anxiety, the more likely you are to avoid more serious consequences.
Anxiety Statistics
Living with anxiety can feel like carrying the world on your shoulders. It’s important to know that you aren’t alone. According to the World Health Organization:
- Anxiety disorders are among the world’s most common mental health disorders, affecting 301 million people in 2019 alone.
- Although highly effective services for anxiety disorders are available, only about 1 in 4 people in need receive any treatment.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect more than 19% of U.S. adults each year. Anxiety is reaching epidemic proportions, yet many people who are living with anxiety continue to suffer without the help they need.
Debunking Common Myths About Anxiety
The popular discourse around anxiety is growing and changing in a positive way. However, misconceptions about what anxiety disorders look like and how to manage symptoms continue to persist. These misconceptions can play into harmful stigmas that may lead people who are suffering from anxiety to resist professional help.
Here are some common myths about anxiety, and the truths behind them:
Myth: Anxiety is just nerves.
Truth: Everyone experiences nerves from time to time, but anxiety goes far beyond nervousness. It is a medical condition that can significantly affect daily life.
Myth: Anxiety is all in your head.
Truth: Anxiety involves both the mind and body. Left untreated, it can lead to physical symptoms like gastrointestinal problems, muscle tension, chronic pain, and trouble sleeping.
Myth: You just need to stop worrying so much.
Truth: People who have anxiety can’t simply “switch it off.” Anxiety disorders are involuntary and linked to brain chemistry, past experiences, and other factors, and they often require therapy, targeted coping strategies, and sometimes medication to help address.
Myth: Everyone feels stressed now and then. You just need to deal with it.
Truth: Everyday stress is normal, but anxiety goes beyond normal stress. It may cause ongoing distress, physical symptoms, and major impacts on daily life and requires more than willpower to manage symptoms.
Why Seek Anxiety Treatment?
No one should have to navigate an anxiety disorder alone. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a courageous and critical first step toward healing. Getting treatment for anxiety can be life-changing and help you regain a sense of purpose and stability.
When you receive effective treatment for anxiety, you can:
- Significantly reduce your symptoms
- Gain knowledge about anxiety disorders
- Learn effective ways to cope with stress and manage your emotions
- Improve your overall quality of life
- Strengthen your relationships with friends and family
- Increase your self-awareness and confidence
- Enhance your physical health
- Receive support from qualified professionals
- Engage with peers who empathize with your journey
Why Choose ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital?
Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is a trusted provider of high-quality behavioral healthcare for people who are suffering from anxiety disorders. We offer a full continuum of services to meet you wherever you are on your mental health journey.
When you choose our treatment center for anxiety, you may benefit from:
- A personalized treatment plan that is designed to reflect your unique needs and goals
- Therapies delivered by licensed professionals who have experience treating anxiety disorders
- A multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, master’s-level therapists, certified registered nurses and nurse practitioners, case managers, and support staff
- Medical support if you have any physical health concerns
- Discharge planning that connects you with follow-up care and community resources for sustained healing
- A safe healing environment where you are treated with respect and dignity
We understand how hard it can be to ask for help. But you don’t have to face anxiety alone. If you or a loved one is struggling, please reach out to ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital today. Our admissions team is available to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you determine the level of treatment that’s right for you.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
Healing is possible, and it starts with a single step. Contact us today to learn more about our Greenville anxiety treatment center or begin the admissions process.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.