Anxiety Disorders
We help you get another chance at life.
Anxiety is a common and often debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. At Wilshire Institute, we strive to provide education, support, and effective treatment options for individuals struggling with anxiety.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats, characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. While occasional anxiety is normal and can even be adaptive, excessive or persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of topics, including work, relationships, health, and finances. Individuals with GAD often experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and fatigue.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense periods of fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
SAD, also known as social phobia, involves intense fear or anxiety about social situations in which the individual may be scrutinized or judged by others. It can lead to avoidance of social interactions, impacting relationships, work, and everyday activities.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are characterized by intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, flying, or enclosed spaces. These fears can cause significant distress and avoidance behaviors.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts or obsessions and repetitive behaviors or compulsions performed in response to those thoughts. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harm, or the need for symmetry, while compulsions may involve rituals such as handwashing, checking, or counting.
Treatment for Anxiety
Mental health providers offer a range of evidence-based treatments to help individuals manage and overcome anxiety disorders.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used and effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety.
There are several classes of medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Your provider will work with you to find the one that works the best.
Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga can help individuals reduce stress, calm the mind, and manage anxiety symptoms.
Healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and minimizing caffeine and alcohol intake, can play a significant role in managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.
Peer support groups or group therapy can provide individuals with a sense of connection, validation, and encouragement as they navigate their journey with anxiety.