Momentarily “freaking out,” or having a panic attack? Everyday problem solving, or persistent worry? Just a little indigestion, or physical symptoms of anxiety? It can be hard to tell the difference between the common stresses and experiences of everyday life and a clinical condition that may require anxiety treatment. Many of us experience anxiety, but when does it cross the line into a mental health disorder needing mental health treatment? With an overwhelming amount of advice on this issue from apps on your phone to online mental health providers, answering this question can feel impossible.
Thankfully, there is hope, and there are answers.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Everyday stress and, yes, some anxiety are parts of life. But is anxiety a mental health disorder? And what are its main symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, what separates “normal” anxiety from an anxiety disorder is the frequency, intensity, and effect of the feeling. Characteristics of an anxiety disorder include:
- Persistent worry and fear about everyday situations
- Sudden feelings of intense anxiety and terror brought on by different kinds of anxiety triggers that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks)
- Feelings of anxiety that interfere with daily activities, i.e., causing avoidant behaviors
- Specific and intense phobias of certain places, activities, or situations (such as social phobia, the fear of social situations)
- Having a persistent sense of impending danger or doom
- Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, breathing rapidly, sweating, trembling, gastrointestinal distress
- Trouble sleeping, weakness, exhaustion
Again, all of us may experience some of these symptoms some of the time, but if you or a loved one is experiencing them almost all of the time, it may be time to seek professional help.
Is Healing from Anxiety Possible?
Suffering from an anxiety disorder can feel like being in a downward spiral that is impossible to break out of. But there is hope. If you are wondering “is anxiety a mental health disorder,” and if so, how can it be healed? There are a variety of pathways to recovery to explore.
Treatment doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s a good thing. Some individuals may benefit most from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps reframe negative thought patterns, while others may find relief through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma-related anxiety. Holistic approaches such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and nutrition counseling can also support emotional regulation and bring the body back into balance. At Integrative Life Center, we tailor treatment to the unique needs of each person, understanding that true healing requires a comprehensive, personalized plan that treats the mind, body, and spirit.
Addressing Root Causes of Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder may be brought on by a variety of factors. Sometimes, the cause is genetics–certain individuals are more prone to develop anxiety disorders due to family history.
Trauma can also contribute to development of an anxiety disorder. If you or a loved one are suffering from symptoms of an anxiety disorder, you may want to take a childhood trauma test to help you determine if there may be adverse childhood experiences in your past that need healing in your present.
Other causes of anxiety disorders include drug or alcohol misuse, or a medical condition that increases feelings of worry (such as irritable bowel syndrome). People suffering from one of these conditions and an anxiety disorder will need dual diagnosis treatment for true healing to take place. That way, practitioners can take into account all of their patients’ diagnoses and symptoms when offering care.
Healing from Anxiety’s Devastating Symptoms
Treatment for anxiety disorder must focus on the various kinds and manifestations of anxiety. For example, a person with an anxiety disorder may experience profound effects on their relationships with others. They may develop an anxious avoidant attachment style due to unresolved childhood trauma and unchecked anxiety: they are desperate for intimacy with others but cannot relax and trust anyone, often driving away the very people they long to connect with. Treatment would include reforming healthy thought patterns around relationships and regarding the self.
Another example would be the symptom of frequent panic attacks, or anxiety attacks. But what is an anxiety attack? These intense feelings of fear or dread rise to a peak quickly. Anxiety attacks may be more mild than panic attacks, but can last longer. The good news is that, with treatment, individuals can learn strategies and coping mechanisms to enact as soon as they feel an anxiety attack coming on.
Nutrition also plays a significant role in mental health. A growing body of research links gut health to brain function, making it essential to support the body through balanced meals, targeted supplementation, and proper hydration. When paired with cognitive behavioral techniques and relational therapies, this multi-dimensional approach gives individuals the greatest chance for long-term recovery.
In addition, group support is a powerful tool in reducing isolation, normalizing experiences, and building emotional connection. Whether in formal group therapy or informal peer circles, being seen and heard by others who understand your struggle is a critical part of healing.
Next Steps to Recovery from Anxiety Disorder
If you or a loved one believe your anxiety may have crossed the line from a normal part of life to inhibiting life, consider seeking healing from anxiety at the Integrative Life Center. You can find anxiety treatment in Nashville, TN, that encompasses the whole person. Far from an app on your phone or an impersonal Zoom meeting with a distant therapist, the Integrative Life Center takes a holistic approach to anxiety, incorporating everything from EMDR to equine therapy to music and art therapy.
We have over a decade of experience creating personalized treatment programs for our patients, programs that meet their specific needs and goals, not mass-produced, one-size-fits-all programming.
So if you want to learn effective ways to manage anxiety so that you can lead a healthier, more balanced life, reach out to us today. Call now at (615) 891-2226.
