Anxiety

About one-third of teens and adults struggle with anxiety and fearful, intense feelings that negatively affect their health and way of life. At First Cornerstone Health LLC, serving patients in and around Atlanta, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, and Florida, Chinwe Ibiam DNP, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, APRN, provides comprehensive telehealth treatment options for anxiety disorder to reduce ongoing worry and help you thrive. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is anxiety?

Nearly everyone has anxiety from time to time because it’s a natural response to stress and unexpected, frightening, or worrisome situations. In small doses, anxiety energizes the body and prepares it to face new challenges, such as a sports tryout, test at school, or job interview.

After the event, anxious feelings should go away. Anxiety disorders become problematic when they cause frequent or uncontrollable fear and worry.

If anxiety negatively affects your daily routine, or lingers long term even when you don’t have an immediate threat, an anxiety disorder may be the reason.

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

There are many anxiety disorders, with the most common types including:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD causes constant or excessive worry over everyday issues that don’t worry other people, such as your job, spouse, and children, even when there isn’t a current problem.

Specific phobias

You might have a specific phobia if you’re intensely fearful of certain objects or activities, such as heights, spiders, or snakes. 

Panic disorder

With panic disorder you have recurrent panic attacks, which may include feelings of being trapped, very scared, and or not being able to breathe well.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder, once referred to as social phobia, causes fear and anxiety when you meet new people, face large social gatherings, or need to perform in front of an audience. People with social anxiety disorder often worry they will be judged or embarrassed.

What are the hallmark symptoms of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety (fear and worry) often comes with other symptoms, such as:

• Stomach aches
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping

Panic attacks can lead to severe symptoms that are similar to a heart attack. You may develop excessive sweating, rapid breathing, dizziness, chest tightness, or chest pain.

How does my provider treat anxiety?

Chinwe discusses your symptoms and emotions during a telehealth appointment. She completes a psychiatric evaluation to determine your diagnosis, identifying the type of anxiety disorder you have and how to best treat your condition.

You may need medication management for severe anxiety and panic attacks, but psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the most common treatment. Chinwe has extensive experience using several effective therapies that reduce anxiety symptoms. 

She teaches you different ways of thinking about and reacting to situations. She might use mindfulness techniques, show you relaxation exercises, or help you become better adjusted to facing specific fears.

To overcome anxiety disorders with help of First Cornerstone Health, call the office or schedule a telehealth appointment online today.