Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Anxiety disorders can profoundly disrupt your daily life. They are also among the most common conditions that prompt people to seek therapy. Anxiety itself is a healthy emotion, and it is beneficial to us in small doses. However, anxiety disorders are quite different from occasional nervousness or worries. When anxiety is causing you significant distress or it is disrupting your ability to get things done in your work, home or social life it may be time to get evaluated by a mental health professional.
At Great Lakes Mental Health, we most commonly see patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder (also called social phobia).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of everyday events or activities. People with GAD often find it difficult to control their worries, which can interfere with their ability to concentrate, sleep, or carry out routine tasks. Despite recognizing that their anxiety is often disproportionate to the situation, people with GAD can’t simply “think positive” or be convinced that their worries are unlikely to become reality.
Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear and physical discomfort that come on quickly and reach a peak within minutes. These attacks can be accompanied by symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and feelings of impending doom. If you have had a panic attack, you know how scary they can be. You may have genuinely felt like you were dying. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to first be diagnosed with panic disorder by an emergency room physician. Because it’s such an unpleasant and frightening feeling, the fear of having subsequent panic attacks can lead to avoidance and an increasingly shrinking world. Thankfully, Panic Disorder (and the other anxiety disorders) respond well to treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, involves an intense fear of being judged, rejected, or embarrassed in social situations. This fear can be so debilitating that it prevents individuals from engaging in various social activities or forming meaningful relationships. Even mundane interactions, such as speaking in public or meeting new people, can evoke overwhelming anxiety and distress for those with SAD. Camden Baucke specializes in seeing clients with social anxiety disorder.
At Great Lakes Mental Health, we understand the real pain caused by anxiety disorders, and we understand how to treat them. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based treatment to help you manage your symptoms and regain control. Don't let anxiety hold you back from living a fulfilling life—reach out to us today and take the first step towards healing and recovery.
Updated 4.30.24