Comprehensive information about anxiety types, symptoms, and effective treatments
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting 40 million adults each year. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily activities and relationships.
The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, productive lives. Understanding your anxiety is the first step toward managing it effectively.
Important Distinction: Normal anxiety is temporary and situation-specific. Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry that significantly impacts your life and doesn't go away on its own.
Persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of daily life for at least 6 months
Prevalence: Affects 3.1% of U.S. adults annually
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with ongoing concern about future attacks
Prevalence: Affects 2.7% of U.S. adults annually
Intense fear of social situations due to concerns about judgment or embarrassment
Prevalence: Affects 7.1% of U.S. adults annually
Intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations
Prevalence: Affects 12.5% of U.S. adults at some point
Anxiety doesn't just affect your mind—it creates real physical symptoms throughout your body:
Important: These physical symptoms are real and can be frightening, but they're not dangerous. They're your body's natural "fight or flight" response to perceived threat.
These evidence-based techniques can help you manage anxiety symptoms:
Simple breathing exercises to manage anxiety in the moment
Best Used: During panic attacks, before stressful situations, daily practice
Methods to reconnect with the present moment during anxiety
Best Used: During panic attacks, overwhelming worry, dissociation
Ways to challenge and change anxious thoughts
Best Used: Excessive worry, catastrophic thinking, self-doubt
Slowly facing feared situations to reduce avoidance
Best Used: Phobias, social anxiety, avoidance behaviors
While self-help strategies are valuable, professional treatment is often necessary for anxiety disorders:
The gold standard treatment for most anxiety disorders
Effectiveness: 70-80% of people show significant improvement
Focus on accepting anxiety while taking valued action
Effectiveness: Particularly effective for GAD and chronic anxiety
Skills-based approach for managing intense emotions
Effectiveness: Helpful for anxiety with emotional dysregulation
Can be helpful alone or combined with therapy
Effectiveness: Often helpful, especially when combined with therapy
Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if you experience any of the following:
Immediate Help Needed If You Experience:
Call 911, go to the emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. With proper treatment, most people experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Of people with anxiety disorders respond well to treatment
Average time for significant improvement with CBT
Report improved quality of life after treatment
Remember: Seeking help for anxiety is not a sign of weakness—it's a courageous step toward reclaiming your life and well-being.
As a Associate Licensed Counselor in Auburn, I specialize in treating anxiety disorders using evidence-based approaches. I understand that anxiety affects everyone differently, and I work collaboratively with each client to develop personalized treatment plans.
You don't have to let anxiety control your life. Effective treatment can help you feel calmer, more confident, and able to fully engage in the activities you value.