Anxiety is a perfectly normal reaction to stressful situations, as it is just experiencing anticipation for something that may be a concern in the future, making the body feel tense and often insinuating avoidance behavior. However, many people have developed an anxiety disorder, which is when anxiety has started to hinder one’s ability to normally function and is often considered out of proportion for their age in a situation. Those with anxiety disorders may feel a more persistent or excessive amount of concern about future events or specific situations that cause them to experience physical symptoms such as feeling easily fatigued, struggling to concentrate, restlessness, muscle tension, or struggling to sleep. There are a few different types of anxiety disorders, including general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and agoraphobia. 

The main causes of anxiety can be external, internal, or a combination of both. Internal causes include a mental or physical condition and can be influenced by genetic factors or trauma. Some external factors may include stressful life events or the effects of substance use. Anxiety is also a known side effect of other medical conditions or medications so it is important to visit your primary care physician if you are experiencing inexplicable general anxiety. As well, anxiety can be caused after experiencing a traumatic event or having faced threatening events throughout childhood. Many normal life events can cause anxiety, but an anxiety disorder is when that anxiety becomes persistent and does not go away once the stressor has been dealt with.

Although every person suffering from an anxiety disorder may experience differing symptoms, one of the most common indicators of an anxiety disorder is experiencing ongoing feelings of dread or apprehension, either towards potential future situations that may be of concern or specific scenarios that elicit an emotional response. Most anxiety disorders can also cause people to feel tense or jumpy in situations where it is not expected, as they are worried that something bad will happen. Additionally, those suffering from anxiety disorders may feel inexplicably restless or irritable. Lastly, a common emotional indicator of an anxiety disorder is often anticipating the worst-case scenario and feeling the need to watch for signs of danger.

Anxiety can take a toll on the body, instilling several physical symptoms that can make day-to-day activities that much more difficult. One of the most common ways that anxiety affects the body is through digestive trouble, potentially causing pain in the stomach, nausea, lack of appetite, or changes in bowel movements. Many people who experience anxiety report struggling with sleep, often developing insomnia or having trouble staying asleep or waking up in the morning. This insomnia may also contribute to many people who suffer from anxiety feeling generally weak or fatigued. It is also common for those with anxiety to deal with a fair amount of muscle tension or pain, also leading to frequent headaches or migraines. Bouts of anxiety may also cause shortness of breath, rapid breathing, an increased heart rate, sweating, or trembling.

Anxiety disorder treatment is available at League Health. We are conveniently located at 23541 Westheimer Pkwy Suite 160, Katy TX 77494. For more information, please call us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Katy TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Richmond TX, Houston TX, Cypress TX, Fulshear TX, Memorial City TX, Sugarland TX, and surrounding areas.