What is Anxiety?
While some amount of anxiety is normal, for example when starting a new job or studying for a big exam, people who have anxiety disorders face an overwhelming amount of fears and worries that disrupt normal daily life. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health disorders that cause some individuals to feel very frightened, fearful, uneasy, and distressed in everyday situations which would not normally evoke an anxiety response. The most common anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Specific Phobias.
Anxiety is a normal response to stress or danger and is often called the "flight or fight" response. This process involves adrenalin being quickly pumped through the body enabling it to cope with whatever threatening situation may come its way. The problem arises when this response is out of proportion to the actual danger of the situation, or it occurs when there is no danger present. Untreated anxiety disorders can lead to extremely negative consequences that can impact a person’s day-to-day functioning – they may not be able to work, go to school, or maintain social relationships.
Symptoms and signs of anxiety disorders will vary depending upon specific disorder, frequency of symptoms, presence of co-occurring mental health disorders, and severity of the disorder.
Talking to Someone About Anxiety or Stress
If you feel anxious or stressed all the time, for several weeks or if it feels like your anxiety or stress is taking over your life, then it’s a good idea to ask for help. You can contact East Hill Counseling Services, LLC at (850) 465-3908 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00PM to schedule an appointment.
Anxiety Therapy & Stress Management
NOTICE: In-person counseling sessions are suspended indefinitely. Online sessions using a HIPAA-compliant teletherapy service are available.