What is Anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by a variety of genetic, physical, psychological, and environmental factors, and it can be triggered by hard or stressful life events.

We’ve all experienced feelings of anxiety at times in our lives. Stressful events happen, jobs are hard, relationships are strained. Anxiety is a normal response to life’s stressors, and usually, it is easily managed and resolved as those stressors fade. For some, however, anxiety is an ongoing, daily struggle. Feelings of fear and worry are a constant companion, and they interfere with everyday life. For those who struggle with feelings of anxiety on a regular basis, an anxiety disorder may be the culprit.

Anxiety and panic disorders come in various forms and manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, and phobias are the three main categories of anxiety disorders, and although they may seem similar, each one has its own hallmarks.

Three Main Types of Anxiety Disorders

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorders
  • Phobias

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Generalized anxiety disorder is categorized by excessive anxiety and worry on most days, for at least six months, about a variety of different things.

Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include the following:

GAD is marked by excessive worry most days, for at least six months, about a wide variety of concerns.

  • Feeling restless or on-edge
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Muscle tension
  • Trouble controlling worry
  • Sleep problems

Panic Disorders & Phobias

Panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks, or sudden periods of intense fear that come on quickly and intensely. Panic attacks can happen unexpectedly or be brought on by a trigger, like a certain place or situation. Often people with panic disorder take steps to avoid these triggers that may bring about panic attacks.

Panic disorder symptoms include:

  • Heart palpitations, accelerated heartrate
  • Sweating, trembling or shaking
  • Shortness of breath or sensations of choking
  • Feelings of impending doom
  • Feeling out of control

A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations. Common examples include fear of heights, blood, or certain animals.

Other phobia-related disorders include:

  • Social Anxiety Disorder: intense fear of social situations
  • Agoraphobia: fear of crowded or hard-to-escape situations
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder: fear of being apart from loved ones

Phobia symptoms include:

  • Extreme worry about encountering the feared object or situation
  • Avoiding situations where the object or scenario may occur
  • Immediate anxiety or panic when faced with the trigger

The Meadows Texas campus

Anxiety Causes & Treatment

Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety can develop from a mix of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Stressful or traumatic experiences, especially those left unresolved, often play a major role. Because of this, our team at The Meadows Texas focuses on uncovering and addressing any underlying trauma that may contribute to anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety and Addiction

Anxiety is one of the most common contributors to substance abuse. Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to “take the edge off,” but self-medicating can worsen symptoms over time and lead to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. If left untreated, both conditions feed into one another, creating a cycle that feels impossible to break.

Learn more about our co-occurring disorders treatment and alcohol rehab program.

Treatment for Anxiety at The Meadows Texas

Anxiety is treatable, and recovery is possible. At The Meadows Texas, we offer a personalized approach that may include:

Our clinical team tailors each treatment plan to the individual, helping patients develop coping skills, build resilience, and create lasting change. We are committed to treating every person with respect, compassion, and dignity, empowering them to move forward in life with confidence.

GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, you do not have to face it alone. Effective treatment is available, and healing is possible.

Call us today to speak with a trained intake coordinator and learn how The Meadows Texas can help.

Call 833-757-5697