Anxiety
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AccessMedicine
Direct Primary Care & Family Medicine located in Williamston, NC
If you’re constantly worried, feel unsafe, or believe that others don’t like you, you may be one of 31% of the U.S. population that the NIH estimates experiences anxiety at some point. Anxiety, a mood disorder, responds well to evidence-based treatment at AccessMedicine in Williamston, North Carolina. Dr. Steven Manning helps you understand what’s causing your anxiety and teaches you new ways of managing your feelings. When necessary, he also prescribes or changes your medications to help you cope. If you live in the Williamston area and want to manage anxiety, contact Dr. Manning by phone or online form.
Anxiety Q & A
What is anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious every once in a while, but if you have an ongoing feeling of dread, make and then cancel social plans, or worry about how others perceive you, you may have a mood disorder known as anxiety. Anxiety persists even under un-stressful circumstances and may keep you from living your life fully.
How can I tell if I have anxiety?
Anxiety encompasses a wide range of symptoms and behaviors. Some signs that you or a loved one have anxiety include:
- Trouble concentrating
- A constant feeling of nervousness or worry
- Breathing quickly or hyperventilating
- Rapid pulse
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Insomnia
- Chronic fatigue
- Upset stomach
If you’re anxious, you may also avoid situations or activities that make you nervous, even though you may have enjoyed those activities previously. This type of behavior is called “avoidance.”
What kinds of anxiety are there?
Generalized anxiety disorder is a feeling of constant fear or nervousness. However, anxiety has a number of subtypes, including:
- Phobias — fear of specific things, such as spiders
- Panic attacks — sudden, overwhelming fear, which may feel like a heart attack
- Social anxiety disorder — fear of being judged or disliked
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — reliving past trauma, feeling unsafe
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) —repetitive rituals, thoughts, or feelings
- Agoraphobia — fear of being in public spaces
- Separation anxiety — fear of being separated from a loved one
You may experience more than one type of anxiety.
Is anxiety serious?
Anxiety can significantly decrease your quality of life. If you’re anxious, you’re also more likely to develop depression. If you notice that you or a loved one isn’t participating fully in life, is having trouble holding down a job, or is having difficulty maintaining a relationship, contact Dr. Manning for help.
How do doctors treat anxiety?
If you think you have anxiety, Dr. Manning conducts a thorough physical examination to rule out underlying medical conditions. He also listens carefully to your issues and the stresses in your life.
Anxiety responds well to evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Manning offers counseling to help you manage your anxiety and develop new, effective coping mechanisms so that you can live a full and rich life. He also prescribes or adjusts your medications, when necessary.
If you’re ready to put anxiety behind you, contact Dr. Manning for evaluation and treatment. You can call the friendly AccessMedicine staff or use the online form.
