Anxiety and Mental Health: Common Forms of Mental Distress - Part 3

Read Part 1 here: (https://www.integrativemediowa.com/blog/mental-health-common-forms-of-mental-distress-part-1)

    Similar to depression, anxiety is a term used as a catch-all for many different forms of mental distress. Experiencing occasional anxiety is a regular part of life, but those with an anxiety disorder often experience intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.

The fear and worry can even begin to impair daily functioning at home and work, and may cause individuals to avoid situations and places that increase anxiety. Examples of anxiety disorders include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Typical symptoms of anxiety may include feeling restless or tense, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling or trouble sleeping, but anxiety can show up in a variety of ways in one’s life. Diagnosis and symptom management is secondary to finding and treating the root cause of the anxiety.  Anxiety in all its forms is commonly treated with medication and psychotherapy. As with depression, research is beginning to show that treatments other than medication or talk therapy can be supportive in the healing process. Exercise and meditation are two of my favorite tools for addressing anxiety. Using a holistic perspective, we will look into all areas of one’s life that may be contributing to anxiety and come up with a treatment plan aimed at lifestyle, body, mind and spirituality.

By Justin, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC​

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