Anxiety

Do you feel worried, nervous, or afraid most of the time? If so, you could be one of the 40 million men and women in the United States who suffer from an anxiety disorder. At Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC, Paula Williams, LCSW, has the expertise to treat all types of anxiety, from generalized anxiety to panic disorder and specific phobias, using psychotherapy and medication if needed. If debilitating anxiety keeps you from enjoying relationships or performing normal activities, call the office based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, or request a telehealth appointment online today. 

What is anxiety?

An anxiety disorder involves persistent feelings of nervousness, fear, or worry. These emotions normally arise in response to difficult experiences, but they usually go away when the experience has passed. When you have an anxiety disorder, you feel overwhelmed by these feelings. You can’t control them, so they interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.

The most common types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder

This condition is characterized by excessive anxiety that doesn’t have a clear cause.

Social anxiety disorder

This disorder is marked by a feeling of overwhelming self-consciousness during social interaction.

Panic disorder

A person with this diagnosis experiences frequent panic attacks that cause physical symptoms, usually without an apparent cause.

Specific Phobias

Phobias are characterized by an intense fear of a particular circumstance or thing, such as small spaces, blood, or spiders.

Anxiety disorders can prevent you from performing everyday activities and meeting work or family obligations. They may also negatively affect your personal relationships and physical health. 

When should I seek help for an anxiety disorder?

If you have an anxiety disorder, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Constant worry, nervousness, or fear
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Sweating, weakness, or trembling
• Stomach aches and other digestive issues
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath

If you have anxiety symptoms that prevent you from functioning, cause you to avoid certain situations or people, or have reduced your quality of life, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Paula for evaluation.

How is anxiety treated?

During your telehealth evaluation, Paula asks you questions regarding your physical and mental health, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms with you in detail. This helps her identify your individual circumstances and treatment needs. 

If Paula determines that you have anxiety, she provides you with information about all of your options for treatment. Based on your personal preferences, Paula creates a customized, holistic treatment plan. Most plans include the following:

Medication

Anti-anxiety medications can help reduce your anxious feelings so you can function better in daily life. Paula may also recommend antidepressants to support a more balanced mood. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy allows Paula to guide you safely through an exploration of the thoughts and feelings around your anxiety triggers. She also uses a range of psychotherapy techniques to help you learn to respond to those triggers in healthier ways. 

If you struggle with persistent anxiety, call Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC to make an appointment or request one online today.