When Does Anxiety Become a Problem That Requires Professional Help?

Americans are no strangers to anxiety disorders, which are among the most common mental illnesses in our country, affecting 40 million adults.

Despite the numbers, less than half of these adults are getting help for their anxiety, leaving millions to struggle on their own.

At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado, Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Dr. Alison Burton, DNP, wants to change this narrative.

She provides compassionate help for patients 18 and older with individualized, evidence-based treatment for anxiety, both in person and virtually.

In this blog, Dr. Alison breaks down anxiety disorders and describes five key signs that suggest your anxiety could benefit from professional care. 

The many faces of anxiety

First, let’s unpack what anxiety is. The term is a catchall for several different disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Phobias

Though each of these is its own diagnosis, what they share in common is extreme anxiety. 

Experiencing anxiety or fear every once in a while is perfectly natural, and your body responds by entering a fight-or-flight mode. This response initiates physical changes in your body, such as a rapid heart rate and muscle tension, to give you the tools you need to face or flee from a perceived threat.

When you have an anxiety disorder, you’re stuck in a fight-or-flight response, which can exact a considerable mental and physical toll.

Signs your anxiety could benefit from care

Although people manifest anxiety in different ways, some rules of thumb point toward an issue that can benefit from medical intervention, including:

1. Troubles at work or school

If your anxiety is preventing you from performing well at work or school, the repercussions can be considerable and life-changing. Whether your anxiety is creating issues with concentration or you find yourself unable to show up for your professional or school life, it’s time to seek our help so that you can function well in these critical areas of your life again

2. Frequent panic attacks

There’s no feeling quite like a panic attack — you can’t breathe, the world spins around you, and your grip on reality becomes tenuous. Whether you’ve experienced one panic attack or they’re a regular occurrence, these are hard-to-ignore events that are calls for help.

3. Personal and social relationship issues

If you’ve become withdrawn because of your anxiety disorder and no longer enjoy time with friends, family, partners, or other people, in general, this type of social isolation is a clear red flag.

4. Physical health issues

As we mentioned, anxiety spurs a physical response in your body, and this constant flood of stress hormones can affect your physical health. From headaches to stomach upset, if your anxiety is leading to physical symptoms, it’s time to call us.

5. Sleep issues

Healthy sleep patterns are important for your physical and mental health. If your anxiety is causing sleep issues — you’re sleeping too much, too little, or irregularly — it’s essential that you get help.

If you recognize one or more of these signs, contact Dr. Alison at Brian Revive Psychiatry, LLC. She offers a wide range of treatment modalities for patients with anxiety disorders. These include medication management, lifestyle coaching, and psychotherapy. 

Schedule an in-person or virtual mental health evaluation at Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, today by calling (303) 578-8949 or request an appointment online.