Anxiety is your mind and body’s response to stress. A little anxiety is normal and even helpful — it keeps you alert and ready to respond to challenges. But when anxiety becomes frequent, intense, or interferes with daily life, it’s time to get help.
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right approach, which can include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, most people experience significant relief and get their lives back after learning how to “rewire” their thinking.
At Brady Psychiatry in Kansas, we understand that anxiety feels very real and very uncomfortable. We’re not here to tell you to “just relax” or dismiss your feelings. We’re here to help you understand what’s happening and give you tools to feel better.
Anxiety shows up differently for different people, but common signs include:
Anxiety shows up in different forms, and each type has specific characteristics and treatment approaches.
Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder experience chronic worry about many aspects of life.
Panic disorder causes unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks.
Social anxiety disorder is the intense fear of social or performance situations.
Specific phobias are types of anxiety disorders as well, sparking intense fear of particular objects or situations.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are types of anxiety disorders that are accompanied by intrusive thoughts or memories of traumatic situations.
Your anxiety treatment plan is personalized to your specific type and needs. Regular appointments help you stay on track and adjust your plan as needed. Your plan may include:
Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants can help reduce worry and physical symptoms. Some medication is fast-acting, while others take a bit longer to build up and become effective. We’ll discuss options and find what works best for you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for helping you develop coping strategies for anxiety. You’ll learn to identify and challenge anxious thoughts. Exposure therapy can help with specific fears.
Making minor adjustments to your lifestyle can help support your anxiety treatment. These can include getting regular exercise, practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques, limiting caffeine, sleeping on a regular schedule, and practicing mindfulness or meditation.
During your first 40-minute appointment at Brady Psychiatry, your clinician will ask about your anxiety symptoms, triggers, physical sensations, and how anxiety is affecting your daily life, including at work, in relationships, and during activities of daily living.Together, you’ll identify patterns and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Schedule your appointment with Montana at Brady Psychiatry today. Telehealth appointments available 24/7 through SimplePractice.