Anxiety

Common Signs of Anxiety to Know

Recognizing the signs of anxiety is essential in seeking timely help and intervention. While anxiety can manifest differently for each person, some common signs to watch out for include:

• Excessive Worrying: Constant, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations or events, often disproportionate to the actual risk involved.
• Restlessness or Feeling On Edge: A persistent feeling of unease or restlessness, making it difficult to relax or stay calm.
• Fatigue: Despite getting enough sleep, feeling constantly tired or drained can be a sign of anxiety, often due to the mental strain of constant worry.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Anxiety can cause your mind to go blank or make it difficult to focus on tasks, even those you typically handle with ease.
• Irritability: Increased sensitivity to stress or frustration, leading to irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts.
• Muscle Tension: Physical symptoms like tightness in the muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, or back, are common when anxiety is present.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, experiencing restless or unsatisfying sleep, or waking up frequently during the night.
• Panic Attacks: Sudden, intense episodes of fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
• Avoidance Behaviors: Steering clear of situations, places, or activities that might trigger anxiety, such as social interactions or specific environments.
• Nausea or Digestive Problems: Anxiety often affects the gastrointestinal system, leading to nausea, upset stomach, or other digestive issues.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

How Is Anxiety Diagnosed?

Diagnosing anxiety typically begins with a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed healthcare professional. This evaluation involves questions about your family history of mental illness, current symptoms, and any past experiences with anxiety. Some of the key areas that doctors may focus on during this evaluation include:

• The severity and duration of symptoms.
• The impact of anxiety on your daily life.
• Any co-occurring conditions, such as depression, PTSD, or eating disorders.

In many cases, doctors will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder. A diagnosis typically includes:

• Excessive worry or anxiety for at least six months.
• Difficulty controlling these worries.
• Symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of anxiety, seeking medical advice is essential. Our behavioral health experts are available to provide accurate diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans.

What Is Inpatient Anxiety Treatment?

Inpatient anxiety treatment (also known as residential anxiety treatment) offers intensive, around-the-clock care for individuals with severe anxiety disorders. This program is especially beneficial when symptoms severely impair daily functioning or when outpatient therapy alone has proven insufficient.

At Clearbrook Massachusetts, our clients live within a controlled, therapeutic environment for a period that can range from several weeks to several months, depending on individual needs. This level of care offers:

• 24/7 medical support and supervision.
• A safe, structured setting that promotes healing and personal growth.
• Intensive, evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Medication Management.

Our goal is to stabilize acute symptoms, teach essential coping mechanisms, and support long-term recovery.