Do I Have Anxiety? Test

Anxiety Test in San Diego

Anxiety is a common experience for many, but when it starts to interfere with your daily life, it becomes something that needs attention.

Acknowledging anxiety’s impact is not about labeling yourself but about taking proactive steps toward wellness. It’s important to remember that experiencing anxiety does not define you; it’s a condition that, with the right support and treatment, can be managed. By understanding the nuances of your anxiety, you can navigate towards a path of recovery and regain control over your life, making each day more manageable and fulfilling

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues, contact Monima Wellness today to learn more about our treatment programs in San Diego.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the world, impacting more than 300 million people in 2019. At its core, anxiety is a natural stress response, acting as a built-in alarm system that alerts us to danger and helps prepare our bodies to face it. This response can be beneficial in short bursts, enhancing our focus and energy during crucial moments, such as dodging an unforeseen obstacle or preparing for an important presentation. However, when this feeling becomes constant, overwhelming, and disproportionate to the situation, it transforms from a helpful alert system into a debilitating condition. Anxiety disorders turn everyday situations into overwhelming challenges, making it hard to lead a normal life.

The Difference Between Worry and Anxiety

Unlike the occasional anxiety that everyone experiences, anxiety disorders are marked by intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. These feelings are often difficult to control, out of proportion to the actual danger, and can last a long time. Symptoms might start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood, manifesting through various physical and emotional symptoms. Understanding anxiety in its complexity is helpful not only for those who suffer from it but also for their loved ones, as it opens the door to empathy, support, and effective management strategies that can significantly improve quality of life.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), categorizes anxiety disorders into several specific conditions, reflecting the complexity and varied manifestations of anxiety-related symptoms. According to the DSM-5, the main anxiety disorders include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience. People with GAD may anticipate disaster in many aspects of their daily lives, often worrying excessively about health, finances, family, or work.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about being apart from those to whom the individual is attached. The individual fears something terrible happening to their attachment figures and experiences significant distress when anticipating or experiencing separation.
Selective Mutism: A complex childhood disorder characterized by the child’s inability to speak in certain social situations, like at school or in the community, despite speaking in other situations, such as at home with close family members. This inability to speak interferes with daily activities and social communication.
Specific Phobia: Marked by significant and persistent fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood), leading to avoidance or enduring the object/situation with intense fear or anxiety.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Characterized by significant anxiety or fear of being negatively evaluated or judged in social situations, leading to avoidance of social settings, fear of acting in a way that will be embarrassing or humiliating, or enduring social situations with intense fear or anxiety.
Panic Disorder: Involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort reaching a peak within minutes—accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms like heart palpitations, trembling, dizziness, and fears of losing control or “going crazy.”
Agoraphobia: Characterized by marked fear or anxiety about two (or more) of the following five situations: using public transportation, being in open spaces, being in enclosed places, standing in line or being in a crowd, and being outside of the home alone. The individual fears these situations due to thoughts that escape might be difficult or help might not be available in the event of developing panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Understanding the symptoms of anxiety can also be an important part of recognizing when worry and concern transition from a normal, adaptive response to stress to a more pervasive and disabling condition. Anxiety symptoms can manifest through a wide range of reactions, which may fluctuate in severity and impact daily life. Some of these symptoms may include:

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations, often accompanied by chest pain.
Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest.
Excessive sweating that is not related to physical exertion or temperature.
Trembling or shaking, signaling nervous system distress.
Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
Dizziness or lightheadedness which may lead to fainting in severe cases.
Muscle tension that leads to headaches, back pain, or other physical discomforts.

Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Persistent worry or fear that is difficult to control.
Feeling restless or on edge, as if danger is constantly near.
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
Irritability, which may affect personal or professional relationships.
Sleep disturbances–trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.
Avoiding certain places, situations, or activities due to fear or discomfort.
A sense of impending doom or danger, even in safe situations.

These reactions can be disruptive and significantly impair one’s ability to function in daily life. They may occur in response to specific stressors or triggers, but in some cases, they may arise unexpectedly without a clear cause. It’s important to note that the presence and intensity of these symptoms can vary widely among individuals. For some, anxiety may be a nagging worry that’s always in the background, while for others, it may lead to panic attacks or severe physical symptoms.

If you or a loved one is concerned about recurring symptoms of anxiety, contact Monima Wellness today. Let us guide you on your journey to mental wellness in San Diego.

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Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

Understanding the landscape of anxiety disorders and the impact they can have on an individual’s daily life, it is equally important to become familiar with the available treatment options. Seeking treatment for symptoms of anxiety is not easy and it marks a significant step toward recovery and improved quality of life. It’s important to remember that the treatment of anxiety disorders is highly individualized, aiming not only to alleviate symptoms but also to address underlying causes and improve overall functioning. Below are some of the most common treatment options for anxiety disorders, each offering a pathway to regaining control and finding relief:

Psychotherapy: Often referred to as “talk therapy,” psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce anxiety symptoms. Some of the treatment modalities therapists may use which have been successful at treating anxiety disorders include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It helps individuals develop coping strategies and challenge irrational thoughts that fuel anxiety.
Exposure Therapy: This type of CBT involves gradually exposing the person to the situations or objects they fear in a controlled and safe environment. It helps them learn to manage their anxiety and overcome avoidance behaviors.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Techniques such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and develop a non-judgmental attitude toward their experiences, which can reduce anxiety.
Medication: Various medications can be used as part of a comprehensive plan to treat anxiety disorders. The most common medications prescribed for these disorders include:
- Buspirone
- Beta-blockers (propranolol)
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
Lifestyle Changes & Healthy Habits
Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits can significantly impact the management of anxiety. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices like meditation can help reduce symptoms. Additionally, reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol intake can also help manage anxiety levels.

Monima Wellness Can Help

Monima Wellness specializes in trauma and women’s mental health treatment in San Diego, understanding the unique challenges and stressors women and the LGBTQ+ community face. Our treatment center offers a compassionate and comprehensive approach to managing anxiety. From individual counseling to group therapy sessions and holistic treatment modalities like acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, our treatment programs are designed to support total healing on the journey to mental wellness.

If you’re experiencing anxiety and looking for support, contact us today. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to helping you navigate the path to healing and wellness.