Anxiety

Anxiety disorder is America's most common mental illness, affecting approximately 40 million adults and 31.9% of adolescents. Fortunately, anxiety is highly treatable. Caroline Bjorkman, DO, at Mind Space Wellness, LLC, provides anxiety treatments at locations in 

Fort Lee, New Jersey, and the Upper West Side area of Manhattan in New York City. The practice serves patients aged 12 and older, and works with you to determine a treatment plan best suited to your unique needs. If you’re interested in booking an appointment, call the practice or reach out online today.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is a mental health issue that can occur at any age. Your provider may diagnose you with anxiety if you have excessive feelings of worry that persist for longer than six months. 

Worries around work, school, health, money, relationships, or your job may be the root of your anxiety. This can stop you from participating in life fully. 

Although the cause of anxiety is unknown, your family history, brain chemistry, or current life circumstances may lead to the disorder. 

If left untreated, anxiety can lead to panic attacks (panic disorder), severe phobias, or dread around social situations (social anxiety). 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Physical symptoms of anxiety include: 

• Chronic fatigue 
• Shortness of breath 
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unexplained muscle aches 
• Nervousness and sweating 
• Sleep problems 
• Headaches and migraines 
• Dizziness 

Some of the mental signs include: 

• Difficulty focusing 
• Irritability 
• Incessant worry 
• Overanalyzing 
• Indecisiveness 
• Believing a circumstance is threatening when it isn't
• Overthinking 
• Restlessness 

If you, your teen, or other members of your family experience these symptoms, excessively worrying about school or social situations, sometimes avoiding them altogether, they may be suffering from anxiety. 

What are my anxiety treatment options? 

Anxiety treatment may include medication, therapy, or both. Your provider may also encourage relaxation techniques like meditation,  journaling, or improved diet and exercise. 

Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of talk therapy that helps you understand the roots of your anxiety. Your provider helps you react differently to circumstances or thoughts that cause you to fear or worry. This empowers you with new thinking patterns and tools to live a more peaceful and productive life. 

Your provider may recommend exposure therapy if your anxiety has led to phobias or social anxiety. This therapy helps you engage directly with the situations (heights or flying) or objects (like insects) you’re afraid of. This helps you understand you’re not in any present danger. 

Medications
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that prevent nerve cells in your brain from reabsorbing serotonin. This is a chemical that regulates your mood and can alleviate anxiety.  Lexapro®,  Zoloft®, and Prozac® are popular options. 

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® and Valium,® can be addictive, so your provider may prescribe these drugs if your anxiety is temporary. 

To learn more about anxiety treatment, call Mind Space Wellness, LLC, or schedule an appointment online today.