Anxiety is a common feeling, and it’s natural to experience it from time to time. Stressful situations such as job interviews, public speaking, or taking a test can make anyone feel anxious. However, when these feelings of anxiety become overwhelming and disrupt everyday life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Learning to recognize anxiety signs can help you get the right treatment and start feeling better.

At Columbia Associates, our team understands how challenging it can be for patients who are struggling with anxiety. Our in-person and telehealth therapy sessions offer a way to better understand and manage anxiety. If you’re in Maryland or Virginia and would like to explore anxiety treatment options, call us today at 703.682.8208 or reach out online to get started.

Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorders

First, it can help to differentiate between anxiety and anxiety disorders. Everyone experiences anxiety on occasion. It’s a natural response to stressful situations, and it can actually be helpful in some cases. However, anxiety disorders are more severe and can impact how a person thinks, feels, and interacts with others. People with anxiety disorders typically experience anxiety on a frequent and intense level, even when there isn’t an obvious trigger.

10 Common Anxiety Signs

If you’re worried that you or someone you know may be struggling with anxiety, here are ten common signs to watch out for:

• Excessive worry and fear
• Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
• Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
• Sweating and trembling
• Nausea and stomach problems
• Irritability and mood swings
• Panic attacks and avoidance behaviors
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling overwhelmed and out of control
• Intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage your anxiety. The first step is to talk to a mental health professional. Our team of experts at Columbia Associates can help you identify the source of your anxiety and create a plan to address it. In the meantime, lifestyle changes like exercising, prioritizing sleep, and practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety symptoms.

How Anxiety Treatment Can Help

Anxiety treatment can involve both therapy and medication, and many of those who seek help find that their symptoms improve with the right combination of approaches. Some of the therapies that can help those struggling with anxiety include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This evidence-based approach helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
• Exposure therapy – This type of treatment can help patients learn to manage their anxiety by gradually exposing them to the things they fear.
• Mindfulness-based therapy – Mindfulness can help improve focus, reduce stress, and manage emotions in healthy ways.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy – This type of therapy encourages patients to accept their emotions without judgment so they can make healthier choices.
• Dialectical behavior therapy – This type of treatment combines mindfulness techniques, distress tolerance skills, and emotion regulation strategies to help people better manage their emotions.

Whether you’re in Maryland or Virginia, our team of mental health professionals at Columbia Associates can provide the anxiety treatment and support you need.

Call Columbia Associates Today to Get Started

If you’re struggling with anxiety symptoms or an anxiety disorder, don’t hesitate to seek help. Columbia Associates is here to assist you. We understand that seeking treatment can be daunting, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. We believe that everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, and we’re committed to helping our patients achieve that. Call us today at 703.682.8208 or reach out online to schedule an appointment and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.