Anxiety

Anxiety can affect every part of your life, from your sleep and concentration to your relationships and daily routines. If you often feel overwhelmed, on edge, or stuck in constant worry, help is available at HC Mental Health & Wellness in Florida, or DC. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Hawley Campbell, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, provides personalized anxiety treatment to help you feel calmer, more in control, and better able to manage everyday stress. Schedule a telehealth evaluation by calling the office or booking online today.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that doesn’t go away and can interfere with daily life. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, anxiety disorders involve persistent or intense symptoms that are difficult to control. With the right treatment, anxiety is highly manageable.

What are the different types of anxiety disorders?

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): ongoing, excessive worry about everyday life
• Panic disorder: sudden episodes of intense fear known as panic attacks
• Social anxiety disorder: fear of social situations or being judged by others
• Specific phobias: intense fear of certain objects or situations
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): anxiety related to a traumatic experience

Hawley works closely with you to identify the specific type of anxiety you may be experiencing and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What symptoms can anxiety cause?

Common anxiety symptoms include:

• Excessive worry or fear
• Feeling restless or on edge
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Panic attacks
• Avoiding certain situations
• Fatigue

Anxiety can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, stress, trauma, or major life changes.

How is anxiety diagnosed?

Hawley diagnoses anxiety through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. She uses DSM-5 criteria to assess your symptoms, thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns. HC Mental Health & Wellness also offers GeneSight® testing, which can help determine which medications may work best for you based on your genetic profile.

How is anxiety treated?

Treatment for anxiety at HC Mental Health & Wellness may include medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, or other evidence-based therapies.

Hawley may also recommend lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, improved sleep habits, stress management techniques, mindfulness, and reducing caffeine or alcohol intake. She provides ongoing follow-up care to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Schedule a virtual anxiety evaluation with Hawley at HC Mental Health & Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.