Anxiety Treatment in Nashville

At Freeman Health Partners, we understand anxiety’s impact on someone’s life. We are dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. We provide comprehensive anxiety treatment in Nashville, TN tailored to meet each client’s individual needs. Our team of experienced professionals will work with clients to identify the underlying causes of their anxiety and create a personalized plan for managing it. We believe everyone deserves access to quality care that helps them live their best life possible. Our mission is to help them do just that.

About Anxiety

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), anxiety disorder is the most common mental health condition, with 19% of the population affected in the last year.

Anxiety is a natural and normal emotional response that everyone experiences occasionally. It is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, nervousness, or apprehension about the future and unpredictable situations.

Anxiety often co-occurs with other mental health disorders such as depression. While mild anxiety helps us in some situations, by increasing our awareness and keeping us alert, persistent or excessive anxiety can become a mental health disorder. Left untreated, anxiety can have a profound effect on a person’s quality of life. Freeman Health Partners offers effective anxiety treatment in Nashville, TN.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions where anxiety is overwhelming and interferes with the functions of daily life. Symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person. However, some common signs include:

Excessive worry or fear about things and often more than the actual threat
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating
Constant overthinking
Avoiding activities
Muscle tension and physical discomfort
Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Irritability or feeling easily agitated

Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, life experiences, and stress. It can manifest differently in individuals, and its severity can range from mild to severe.

Common causes of anxiety include:

Genetics

If someone has a close family member with an anxiety disorder, they may be predisposed to developing an anxiety disorder also.

Brain Chemistry

Chemical imbalances in the brain can lead to anxiety. These chemicals play a role in regulating mood, emotions, and stress.

Personality Traits

Certain personality characteristics, like being highly sensitive, perfectionistic, or tending to overthink, may increase the likelihood of developing anxiety.

Environmental Stressors

Stressful situations and traumatic events can trigger or worsen anxiety. Such as the unexpected death of a loved one, abuse, a car accident, a natural disaster, the end of a relationship, or financial problems.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions or hormonal imbalances increase the chances of anxiety. For example, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause anxiety symptoms.

Substance Abuse

Drug or alcohol abuse is known to contribute to anxiety disorders. Additionally, withdrawal from certain substances can trigger anxiety symptoms.

Chronic Health Problems

Persistent health issues, chronic pain, or disabilities are stressful and often lead to anxiety.

Neurological Factors

Some neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or traumatic brain injuries are associated with anxiety disorders.

Childhood Experiences

Childhood trauma or painful events can impact brain development and increase the chances of developing an anxiety disorder later in life.

Caffeine and Stimulants

Excessive amounts of caffeine or stimulants can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. Some people are more susceptible to these effects.

Anxiety is a complex mental health condition and the causes vary from person to person. In some cases, anxiety is the result of several contributing factors. Everyone experiences things differently. Help is available. If someone is having symptoms of anxiety that greatly interfere with their daily life, they should seek professional help for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Types of Anxiety

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Each type of anxiety disorder may have different triggers and symptoms. Some types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD involves excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, such as work, health, family, or daily situations. The worry is often difficult to control and may interfere with daily activities.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

Social anxiety disorder is marked by intense fear and anxiety in social situations. People with social anxiety may fear being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social settings, leading to avoidance of social interactions.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves recurring and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense surges of fear and discomfort. Panic attacks can be accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom.

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias are characterized by irrational and extreme fears of specific objects, situations, or activities. Common phobias include fear of heights, flying, spiders, or enclosed spaces.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is often associated with panic disorder and involves fear and avoidance of places or situations that may be challenging to escape from or where help may not be available if a panic attack occurs.

Finally, anxiety disorders can coexist or overlap with each other and other mental health disorders. Therefore, individuals may have symptoms of more than one type. Anxiety disorders can significantly impact a person’s life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, they are manageable.

How is Anxiety Diagnosed?

Anxiety is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. The diagnostic process typically involves the following steps:

Initial Evaluation
Diagnostic criteria
Assessment tools
Medical examination
Differential diagnosis
Observation and behavioral assessment
Collaboration with the individual

In conclusion, the diagnosis of anxiety should be made by a qualified mental health professional. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, as anxiety disorders are complex. Moreover, when someone is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, seeking help from a mental health expert is the first step toward understanding and managing the condition effectively.

How is Anxiety Treated?

Managing anxiety often involves a combination of approaches including therapy, medication management, relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and lifestyle changes. Seeking professional help from mental health professionals is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs. With proper support and treatment, individuals with anxiety can learn to manage their symptoms and reach their treatment goals.

Find Compassionate Anxiety Treatment in Nashville, TN

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, seeking professional help from a mental health expert is vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. With evidence-based treatments, Freeman Health Partners offers effective strategies for overcoming anxiety so that you can reclaim a sense of balance in all areas of life.