Our Services / Anxiety

Anxiety is one of many normal human emotions. Feeling nervous before a special occasion or worrying about getting to an appointment on time are just a few examples of everyday anxiety. When the situation is over, the anxiety disappears.

However, for some people, anxiety doesn’t go away; it becomes so constant and severe that it interferes with their quality of life. If you’re experiencing this kind of anxiety or even feel unable to leave home because of your worries and fears, you could have an anxiety disorder.

Fortunately, you’ll find expert help and support for all kinds of anxiety disorders at Houston Medical-Mental Health Clinic.

Anxiety disorders take several forms, the more common being:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD is the most common anxiety disorder. With GAD, you experience continual, uncontrollable worry and fear about anything and everything, from your health and answering the phone to world events.

Social anxiety disorder

Unlike GAD, where everything is a source of anxiety, with this condition, your symptoms relate to social situations. Contact with people you don’t know, crowds, public places, and parties can be sources of intense anxiety.

Phobias

Phobias are irrational but powerful fears that center on something specific. Examples include arachnophobia (fear of spiders), acrophobia (fear of heights), and aerophobia (fear of flying).

Extreme anxiety can result in panic attacks and lead to panic disorder.

A panic attack occurs when your anxiety or fear becomes so severe you can’t control it. The worry, fear, and nervousness typical of anxiety disorders sometimes peak, triggering a panic attack that can immobilize you. Other symptoms of panic attacks include:

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Rapid heartbeat
• Faintness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Some people cry or scream when they have a panic attack. Others can’t move or speak. These feelings are so intense that people who suffer from panic attacks often go to great lengths to avoid them. This avoidance behavior can significantly impair your ability to lead a normal life.

Houston Medical-Mental Health Clinic typically uses a combination of approaches when treating anxiety disorders.

Medication

Anti-anxiety medications reduce the extreme emotional and physical responses. You might also benefit from antidepressants, as depression often accompanies anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy

Your provider can use several types of psychotherapy (talking therapies) to help you reduce and manage your anxiety. One that’s often successful is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you how to recognize anxiety triggers and adjust the thoughts behind them.

To find the support and treatment you need for anxiety, contact Houston Medical-Mental Health Clinic. You can call to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment or book online today.