Anxiety

The most common of all mental health conditions

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a condition in which an individual experiences excessive worry and distressing thoughts. Anxiety can range from mild to severe, and while everyone experiences anxiety at some point, nearly one in five people (18% of the US population) will develop an anxiety disorder, possibly needing treatment. There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). No matter the type, pervasive untreated anxiety can easily become debilitating.

Negative Effects of Anxiety

Because anxiety manifests in persistent worry, feelings of fear, and anticipation of negative outcomes, individuals often look for ways to self-medicate. This can lead to frequent drug or alcohol use that began as an attempt to take the edge off an anxiety condition. Substance use creates its own problems, and individuals with anxiety may find themselves suffering from addiction as well. This dual diagnosis is often referred to as co-occurring disorders.

Anxiety can impair a person’s ability to keep jobs and maintain relationships, causing them to withdraw from social connections and places that trigger their symptoms. However, counseling, therapy, and sometimes assistive medications can allow individuals with anxiety to heal and even thrive again.

Anxiety disorders affect 40 million US adults every year.

– The Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Anxiety by the Numbers

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America:

Anxiety disorders affect 40 million US adults every year.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 3.1% of the US population, but less than half are receiving treatment.
Women are twice as likely to be affected by anxiety disorders as men.
Social anxiety disorder affects 15 million US adults every year.
Over 2 million US adults suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders.

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

To be diagnosed with the most common form of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, an individual must experience symptoms most days for a period of six months. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the following are symptoms of GAD:

Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
Being easily fatigued
Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
Being irritable
Having muscle tension
Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep

Individuals with other anxiety disorders may experience a number of additional symptoms, such as a sense of panic, heart palpitations, fixation on a particular subject or object, or intense fear.

Anxiety Treatment at The Meadows

If you or a loved one is in need of anxiety treatment, we’re here to help. The Meadows specializes in treating anxiety along with other mental health conditions and substance use disorders. We are equipped to provide research-backed treatments as well as individual therapy, group therapy, and experiential therapies. Call us today to find out more about our program and how we can help you or a loved one begin your journey of recovery.

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Admissions

Our Admissions team is here to help 24 hours a day and is experienced in assisting others with compassion, dignity, and respect — hallmark values of The Meadows for more than 45 years. The Meadows’ Admissions Specialists are here to help you on your way to a healthier and more productive lifestyle. When you call, they will lead you through a series of questions to determine if The Meadows is a good fit, and how soon your treatment can begin. If you are interested in The Meadows for yourself or a loved one, call or fill out an admissions form today!