Do you often feel restless, fatigued, or overwhelmed with worries and thoughts of what might go wrong?
Anxiety can hinder your ability to succeed at work or in school and interfere with romantic and interpersonal relationships. Reach out to arrange effective treatment for anxiety. You may be able to develop skills to control your anxiety and restore balance in your life. In some cases, medication can be helpful in making your anxiety more manageable.
If you are not sure about your ability to cope with anxiety, take the online anxiety self-assessment.
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When is anxiety a problem?
Isn’t worrying about things “normal”? It can be. The question is not whether you have some anxiety. Rather it is, does anxiety interfere with your ability to enjoy life or even your ability to function? Does your anxiety trigger avoidance or other behaviors that interfere with your ability to thrive?
Anxiety is a natural and adaptive response to perceived threats or stressful situations. It’s a fundamental part of human experience that prepares us to respond to challenges and danger. While it’s normal to feel worried or anxious from time to time, anxiety becomes a concern when it becomes excessive, persistent, and starts interfering with daily life.
If you struggle with anxiety, you are not alone
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than one in five adults aged 18 to 60 in the United States experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety was on the rise. The pandemic only served to magnify this long-term secular trend. Psychologists and social workers observed an escalation in the intensity and frequency of emotional challenges both prior to and during the pandemic. In fact, the University of Vermont’s “Hedonometer” recently registered the lowest levels of happiness ever documented in the United States.
Modern life creates the perfect storm for anxiety. Remote work, reduced social interactions, less time spent with friends, looser family bonds, increased indoor time, and prolonged exposure to screens collectively contribute to the surge in anxiety. A growing number of individuals are grappling with managing their stress. Some individuals adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms in an effort to ease anxiety.
Types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms
Anxiety can appear differently in different people and at different times in their lives. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias are all anxiety-related disorders.
- Social anxiety is characterized by an overwhelming and persistent fear of social situations and interactions, leading to avoidance behaviors and significant distress. Social anxiety can make it difficult for you to speak up at work or school, engage in social situations, or even have trouble leaving the house.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is marked by excessive and persistent worry about various aspects of life, often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, irritability, and muscle tension.
- Panic attacks may include experiencing accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or feeling out of control.
- Phobias are intense fears that are out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the object or the situation. Some examples of phobias include fear of flying, heights, or being in an enclosed space.
Causes and risk factors
Anxiety disorders arise from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition can contribute to an increased susceptibility to anxiety disorders, as they tend to run in families. Psychological factors, such as learned patterns of negative thinking and chronic stress, can amplify anxiety symptoms. Traumatic experiences, especially during childhood, can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. Certain personality traits, like perfectionism and a tendency to overthink, are linked to a heightened risk of anxiety.
Environmental factors can also contribute to anxiety. Early life experiences, such as unstable family environments or a history of neglect, can influence the development of anxiety. High levels of stress due to work, school, or personal relationships can trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Five reasons why you should make an appointment with a psychiatrist for anxiety today
Here are five reasons to consider seeing a psychiatrist for anxiety – as often, if you are someone who gets treatment and has improved anxiety, you may find that:
- You can have a break from constant worry – When you share your problems with a therapist who is trained to help, many people are more able to feel that their level of stress and tension is reduced, and they are more able to relax and focus on the more important things in their lives.
- Your sleep improves – When your anxiety is in check, it’s often easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. In turn, having a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your quality of life and can make you feel better all day long!
- You will feel a sense of relief – Often, preparing yourself for the idea of receiving treatment can be a stressful process in and of itself. Thus, many people do report a sense of relief that when they do enter treatment, the process is started and they are advocating for themselves in improving their health.
- It’s not that scary – Visiting a psychotherapist for the first time may seem a little overwhelming. The reality is that this is your doctor’s appointment you don’t have to fear. It’s not that scary, honest.
- Your future will be brighter – As your anxiety improves, you may find it more natural to have a more optimistic outlook, less colored by worry and concern. People often feel more confident to strive towards their goals instead of being hindered by stress and self-criticism.
Reach out today
If you are looking for a psychotherapist in New York, reach out to Jim Dhrymes MD today. Dr. Dhrymes is an experienced psychiatrist for anxiety and specializes in working with patients just like you. He is dedicated to helping you reduce anxious feelings and reach your goals.
Dr. Dhrymes offers psychotherapy and medication management services to treat trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more. In-person appointments are available in Manhattan or online for all residents of New York.
Reach out today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
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