Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. However, when worry, fear or physical symptoms become intense, persistent or interfere with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders include many conditions and are the most common mental health condition in the United States. They are highly treatable.
At Banner Health, we provide supportive and effective care to help you regain control and move forward with confidence.
Anxiety symptoms can affect both your mind and body.
Symptoms can include:
Some people also experience panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear that may include chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness. Panic attacks can feel like a medical emergency.
If you ever think you might be having a heart attack or are unsure, seek immediate help.
Is It a Panic Attack or a Heart Attack? How to Tell the Difference
Anxiety can feel different for everyone. Some people describe constant worry they cannot turn off. Others feel physical tension, chest tightness or a racing mind. For some, anxiety comes in waves. For others, it feels constant.
Anxiety disorders include several related mental health conditions. Common types include:
Your Banner care team can explain the condition that best matches your symptoms and guide treatment.
Anxiety can be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. These may include:
Understanding your triggers and contributing factors helps guide the right treatment plan.
You may be at higher risk for an anxiety disorder if you:
Your primary care provider will:
Your provider may also use screening questionnaires to better understand your symptoms and how long they have been present. You may be referred to a mental health professional for further evaluation and diagnosis.
If your symptoms ever put you or others in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Most people improve with the right combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps you recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Your provider may recommend:
Healthy sleep, regular exercise, limiting caffeine, relaxation techniques and social support all play a role in recovery.
Mild anxiety related to temporary stress may improve as situations change. However, anxiety disorders often require treatment. Early support can prevent symptoms from worsening.
Stress usually has an identifiable cause - such as work deadlines or life changes - and often improves when the situation resolves.
Anxiety can continue even when stressors have passed or may appear without a clear trigger.
If stress becomes overwhelming or constant, anxiety can follow. Treatment can help break this cycle.
Learn more about stress management strategies here.
Reach out if anxiety:
You deserve support - and treatment works. Seek immediate care if anxiety is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion or thoughts of harming yourself.
Banner Health offers:
Our compassionate team is here to help you feel like yourself again.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For 24/7 confidential support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Talk to your doctor about anxiety symptoms or call:
Banner Behavioral Health: 602-254-4357
You are not alone - and healing is possible.
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