Anxiety is a natural part of life. It alerts us to danger, helps us prepare for challenges, and keeps us focused when we need to perform. But when anxiety sticks around too long, or shows up too intensely, it can stop being helpful and start becoming harmful.

For millions of people, anxiety isn’t just a passing feeling. It’s a daily struggle that affects work, school, relationships, and quality of life. If you’re trying to understand your own experience or support a loved one, knowing the basics of anxiety is the first step.

At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we help people move from feeling overwhelmed to being in control with evidence-based care, compassionate providers, and treatments that work. Whether you’re looking for answers or treatment options, this guide will help you understand what anxiety is and what you can do about it.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body’s response to perceived threats. It involves a mix of physical, emotional, and mental changes designed to prepare you for danger, even when no actual danger exists. Everyone feels anxiety from time to time, but chronic, excessive anxiety can signal the presence of an anxiety disorder.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 30% of adults in the U.S. will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives (source). So, taking the time to ask yourself if anxiety could be playing a role in your daily life is always worth it.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several distinct anxiety disorders, each with its own symptoms and patterns:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Chronic worry about multiple areas of life
  • Social Anxiety Disorder – Intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings
  • Panic Disorder – Repeated, unexpected panic attacks
  • Phobias – Extreme fear of specific objects or situations
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder – Fear of being away from loved ones, common in children
  • Agoraphobia – Fear of being in places where escape might be difficult

Visit our Anxiety Conditions page to learn more about the different types of anxiety and how they’re treated at Serenity.

Common Anxiety Symptoms

Although symptoms vary by person and diagnosis, most anxiety symptoms fall into one or more of these categories:

Physical Symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle tension or headaches
  • Sweating or trembling
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or gastrointestinal issues

Emotional Symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Feelings of dread or doom
  • Fear of losing control
  • Persistent nervousness
  • Feeling detached from reality or others

Cognitive Symptoms:

  • Racing thoughts
  • Catastrophic thinking
  • Indecisiveness
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Obsessive thoughts or rumination

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms for more than six months, and they’re affecting your daily life, it may be time to talk to a psychiatrist or mental health professional.

Is Anxiety a Mental Disorder?

Occasional anxiety is part of being human. But when it becomes constant, irrational, or disruptive, it can be diagnosed as a mental disorder. The most common criteria include:

  • Symptoms that last for six months or more
  • Anxiety that feels out of proportion to the situation
  • Impaired daily functioning (work, school, relationships)
  • Avoidance behaviors or safety rituals
  • Co-occurring symptoms like depression or insomnia

Anxiety disorders are medical conditions, not character flaws, and they respond well to treatment with the right plan.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety can stem from a combination of factors:

  • Genetics or family history of mental disorders
  • Imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA
  • Personality traits (perfectionism, sensitivity)
  • Trauma or chronic stress
  • Medical conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders)
  • Substance use or withdrawal
  • Lifestyle habits like poor sleep, inactivity, or diet

At Serenity, we take a holistic approach that considers a patient’s biology, environment, and experience when we diagnose and treat anxiety.

How Is Anxiety Treated?

Fortunately, anxiety is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Treatment typically includes:

1. Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or structured gratitude therapy is the gold standard for treating anxiety. It helps patients identify thought patterns that fuel fear and replace them with realistic, empowering beliefs. Other therapy types may include mindfulness-based therapy, exposure therapy, or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

2. Medication

Anxiety medications can help regulate brain chemistry and reduce distressing symptoms. These may include:

  • SSRIs and SNRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram, duloxetine)
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, clonazepam) – short-term use only
  • Beta blockers for physical symptoms
  • Buspirone for generalized anxiety

Our psychiatric medication management program ensures each patient receives personalized care, careful monitoring, and support every step of the way.

3. TMS Therapy

For patients who don’t respond to medication or prefer a non-drug approach, TMS therapy offers a breakthrough alternative.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-approved, medication-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain regions. It’s particularly effective for depression and generalized anxiety disorder, especially in those with treatment-resistant symptoms.

TMS sessions typically last about 20 minutes and are completely painless. Our TMS technicians administer the stimulation in a relaxed outpatient setting. There’s no downtime, no harsh side effects, and success rates with TMS continue to climb year after year. It truly is a modern marvel in behavioral healthcare.

4. Lifestyle Support

Anxiety often improves with daily habits that support brain and body health. Our providers work with patients to incorporate:

  • Exercise and movement
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Nutrition support
  • Mindfulness and breathwork
  • Structured gratitude therapy

These changes are often used alongside traditional treatment and can significantly boost recovery.

What About Anti-Anxiety Meds?

Anti-anxiety meds, such as benzodiazepines, offer fast relief but are typically prescribed for short-term or acute use due to the risk of dependence. At Serenity, we prioritize long-term stability through therapy, lifestyle support, and TMS therapy or SSRIs when appropriate, which will help manage anxiety without sedation. If you’ve been relying on short-term medications, a psychiatrist can help you explore safer, more sustainable options.

Who Should I Talk to About Anxiety?

If you’re unsure where to start, a psychiatrist for anxiety is a great first step. They can provide a full evaluation, rule out medical issues, and help you understand your symptoms. Our nationwide network of mental health clinics offers expert care in outpatient settings that fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re new to treatment or have tried everything, we’ll provide tools that actually work.

Why Serenity Mental Health Centers?

Serenity is a team that believes everyone deserves peace of mind. Our approach is compassionate, customized, and rooted in science. We help patients reduce anxiety symptoms, feel better long-term, and live more fulfilling lives.

Here’s what we offer:

  • Board-certified psychiatrists with expertise in anxiety treatment
  • Rapid access to care
  • Comprehensive evaluations and diagnoses
  • Therapy, medication, and TMS therapy in one place
  • A focus on long-term healing, not just symptom relief

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’ve lived with anxiety for years or just started noticing symptoms, you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here to offer the experience, tools, and heart to help you feel like yourself again. Let’s create a treatment plan that meets your needs and supports your future, together.

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FAQ: What Is Anxiety?

What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

Common anxiety symptoms include worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat, and digestive issues. If symptoms persist and interfere with life, it may be an anxiety disorder.

Is anxiety a mental disorder?

Yes. Chronic or disruptive anxiety is a diagnosable mental disorder and should be treated by a qualified psychiatrist or mental health provider.

What’s the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?

Anxiety is ongoing worry or tension, while a panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Are there alternatives to anti-anxiety meds?

Yes. Therapy, TMS therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes are all effective for many patients and can be used with or instead of medication.

Where can I get help for anxiety?

Serenity’s mental health clinics offer complete outpatient care, including therapy, medication management, and TMS therapy, tailored to your needs.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.