Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural emotion that can spiral into a severe mental health disorder under certain conditions. If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, talk to Emily Russ, PA-C, at Prevail Behavioral Health in Appleton, Wisconsin. You will find a safe, reassuring environment and treatment that helps you get your anxiety under control. Reach out to Prevail Behavioral Health by phone or request an appointment online today to break free from anxiety.

Isn’t it normal to feel anxiety?

Yes, being anxious sometimes is perfectly normal. Most people feel fearful, stressed, or worried about significant events, such as their child’s first day at school or waiting for exam results. Anxiety can even be helpful because it releases hormones that make you stronger and more alert — great for making work presentations or competing in sports competitions.

Anxiety only becomes a problem when it’s overwhelming or present continually. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes constant anxiety, while phobias cause severe anxiety in response to something specific, such as confined spaces (claustrophobia).

If you feel anxious all the time or experience paralyzing bouts of anxiety due to a phobia, Prevail Behavioral Health offers compassionate care to restore peace and confidence.

How do I know if my anxiety is unhealthy?

If you feel on edge and jumpy much of the time and change your behaviors because of fears and worries, you could have an anxiety disorder. Other symptoms include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Digestive problems
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle tension
• Aching neck and headaches
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Palpitations (rapid, pounding heartbeat)
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fast, shallow breathing

There are some people with anxiety who experience distressing panic attacks. Physical anxiety symptoms worsen suddenly, and you might develop chest pain and have trouble breathing, sometimes so severely you wonder if you’re having a heart attack. A bad panic attack can cause you to collapse, become hysterical, or be unable to move or speak.

Panic attacks can occur anytime but often happen in response to a trigger that tips you over the edge. For those with phobias, facing the thing they fear can trigger an attack, but with GAD, triggers don’t need to be something major — anything from being unable to find your keys to someone speaking to you rudely at the grocery store could be enough.

Sometimes people develop panic disorder, experiencing frequent panic attacks, often for no clear reason.

How do I get help for my anxiety?

The first step in getting help for anxiety is visiting Prevail Behavioral Health, where an experienced provider understands how distressing anxiety and panic attacks can be and offers expert treatment.

After assessing your mental health, they’ll recommend a treatment program suited to your condition. Patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety might find psychotherapy (talking to a skilled counselor) is sufficient. Anti-anxiety medications can benefit some patients, especially those with more severe disorders.   

Call Prevail Behavioral Health to arrange an anxiety evaluation or book an appointment online today.