Anxiety

Anxiety services offered in Orange, South San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, CA

You’re probably not surprised to hear that anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, affecting nearly one-third of adults. Anxiety is such a familiar part of daily life that many people don’t realize it can become disabling without treatment, but treatment is within reach. Peter Pham, PMHNP-BC, and Diana Bush, PMHNP-BC, offer the help you need at Black Onyx in Orange and South San Francisco, California. Don’t wait to seek their help for managing anxiety. Call Black Onyx today or use online booking to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment.

Anxiety Q & A

When should I seek help for anxiety?

Anxiety is the natural feeling of fear or worry that everyone experiences when they anticipate a stressful, difficult, or dangerous situation. Your anxiety immediately triggers a physical response, making stress hormones rise and boosting your focus and energy. Once the situation is over, your body and emotions should return to normal.

Your natural anxiety becomes a problem when it:

Arises frequently or constantly
Disrupts your daily life
Causes overwhelming worry and dread
Makes you change your usual activities to avoid the situation
Appears even if you don’t face a current or anticipate a future situation

It’s time to connect with the providers at Black Onyx and get help for anxiety if you deal with any of the challenges in this list.

Are there different types of anxiety?

There are several anxiety disorders. The four most common are:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

People with GAD have nearly constant anxiety over all types of daily activities, family problems, and life challenges.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder causes severe anxiety when you meet new people, go to a social event, or must perform in front of others, like when you need to give a presentation at work.

Specific phobias

Phobias result in an intense fear of an object or activity, such as spiders or flying.

Panic disorder

People with panic disorder have sudden, unexpected panic attacks, experiencing a wave of extreme fear even though there’s no obvious danger or any reason to feel anxious.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

In addition to the symptoms caused by each anxiety disorder, you may also experience:

Restlessness
Insomnia
Irritability
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Muscle aches
Difficulty concentrating

Panic attack symptoms often mimic a heart attack, causing dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating.

How is anxiety treated?

Most anxiety disorders improve with therapy and medication. Your provider may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants. Antidepressants calm anxiety even if you don’t need medication for depression.

Several types of therapy are also effective for overcoming anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, teaches you to identify and change the thoughts and emotions that cause your anxiety.

Call Black Onyx today or request an appointment online to discuss your anxiety and learn how treatment can help you overcome the dread.