Anxiety Treatment in Knoxville

Tennessee Anxiety Disorder Treatment Center

The term “anxiety” refers to a range of behavioral and mental health disorders. Anxiety disorders can greatly affect people’s overall well-being, as well as various aspects of their lives. Those struggling to cope with anxiety disorders and their symptoms may face significant challenges in managing their daily responsibilities, relationships, and physical and mental health. While anxiety disorders can be overwhelming, the good news is that they are highly treatable.

If you or someone you love is struggling with severe anxiety, our family of behavioral and mental health specialists is here to help. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, whether you are seeking information for yourself or on behalf of a family member or loved one.

On This Page:

• Is Anxiety a Mental Health Disorder?
• How Is Anxiety Treated?
• What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
• Tips to Help Overcome Anxiety
• Providing a Personalized Approach to Your Wellness

Anxiety can be overwhelming, but it is always possible to thrive with the right help. Call (865) 205-2770 or submit an online request form to learn more about our Knoxville anxiety therapy programs.

Is Anxiety a Mental Health Disorder?

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. But if you find yourself frequently experiencing intense, persistent, or excessive worry, panic, or fear about everyday situations or possible future events, you could have an anxiety disorder.

“Anxiety” refers to a group of anxiety disorders, including but not limited to:

• Agoraphobia
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Substance-induced anxiety disorder
• Various phobias

Anxiety disorders are serious mental health conditions that can significantly and negatively impact a person’s life. Symptoms can interfere with the individual’s day-to-day activities, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and may be extremely difficult to manage or control on one’s own.

How Is Anxiety Treated?

When anxiety becomes too difficult to manage or when it begins to interfere with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional treatment. Anxiety disorders are very treatable; the sooner you seek professional help, the better.

There are several treatment options for those suffering from anxiety disorders. At Tennessee Wellness Center, we offer:

• Individual therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group therapy
• Support groups
• Family therapy
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Partial hospitalization
• Anxiety and substance abuse treatment

In some cases, medication may be beneficial for those struggling to cope with the severity of their symptoms. Often, medication is used in conjunction with therapies and other treatments to address the individual’s whole-person health.

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms vary based on several factors, including the individual’s unique experience with anxiety, the type of anxiety disorder, the individual’s age, and more.

Some of the common symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety include:

• A sense of impending danger
• Pronounced nervousness
• Restlessness
• Feeling very tense or “on edge”
• Panic and panic attacks
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Rapid breathing/hyperventilation
• Feeling weak
• Fatigue
• Sleep disruptions/insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating on anything other than the worry
• Gastrointestinal issues

Those with anxiety disorders will often feel a very strong or even compulsive desire to avoid situations that may trigger anxiety; they may misinterpret signs of anxiety as symptoms of another health condition, such as a heart attack; and they will almost always feel an inability to control their worries, panic, or sense of impending danger.

Anxiety is also itself a symptom of other behavioral and mental health conditions. It may co-occur with other conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder, and it may appear as a sign of alcohol or drug withdrawal. Certain types of substance abuse can even trigger a type of anxiety disorder known as substance-induced anxiety disorder, which is caused by misusing or abusing prescription or illicit drugs, taking certain medications, and/or drug withdrawal. Anxiety disorders can also be triggered by, exacerbated by, or coincide with traumatic life events, such as the death of a loved one. This can make it very difficult to identify anxiety disorders; it is important that you see a medical professional to receive a proper and correct diagnosis.

Tips to Help Overcome Anxiety

• Change your thinking patterns: Many people with anxiety get trapped in a cycle of irrational beliefs and negative thoughts. Focusing on simple truths and positive thinking can help to dispel anxiety symptoms and shift your perspective in a positive light.
• Understand your triggers: Identifying the activities, situations, or even people that trigger your feelings of anxiety or panic can be an important step towards building healthy habits. Avoiding negative forces that make you anxious and replacing them with something positive can be an effective way to help you feel more comfortable and secure.
• Be patient with yourself: Like the old adage says, Rome wasn't built in a day. Likewise, it is important to recognize that overcoming anxiety is a long-term process that will likely come with many setbacks and failures. Look at these as opportunities to learn and move forward one step at a time. Don't beat yourself up about things that go wrong, but instead focus on the solutions.
• Take care of your physical health: The way you feel physically can have a strong connection to how you feel mentally. Minimizing caffeine intake, exercising, eating a balanced diet, and establishing a regular sleep schedule can help you feel your best and calm your mind.

Understanding the Impact of Anxiety on Your Health

Anxiety can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. It can affect your physical health, mental health, and daily functioning. Understanding the impact of anxiety on your health is the first step in seeking effective treatment. At Tennessee Wellness Center, we take a holistic approach to anxiety treatment, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.

Some of the ways anxiety can impact your health include:

• Increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues
• A compromised immune system leads to frequent illness
• Disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue
• Digestive issues and stomach problems
• Difficulty concentrating and memory problems

By addressing the impact of anxiety on your health, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain control and improve your overall well-being.

Providing a Personalized Approach to Your Wellness

At Tennessee Wellness Center, we know that no two people are the same. We don’t believe in providing a one-size-fits-all solution to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Rather, we personalize our treatments to suit your specific needs, working directly with you to continuously assess and modify your treatment plan as needed.

Our family of behavioral and mental health professionals is committed to helping you develop the skills you need to effectively manage your anxiety disorder and live a happy and fulfilling life. We know that seeking help can be challenging, which is why we will handle all of the details from the moment you call.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Anxiety Treatment

Is anxiety hereditary?

There is a genetic component to anxiety, but it's not the sole determining factor. Environmental factors also play a role.

How long does it take for anxiety medication to work?

The onset of action for anxiety medication varies depending on the type of medication and individual response.

Is therapy effective for anxiety treatment?

Yes, therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

How can I support a loved one with anxiety?

Be patient, understanding, and supportive. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer practical assistance when needed.

Can I prevent anxiety from recurring?

While it's not always possible to prevent anxiety from recurring, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing coping skills, and seeking ongoing support can help reduce the risk.

Can anxiety lead to substance abuse?

Yes, some people may turn to substances to self-medicate anxiety symptoms, leading to substance abuse.

If you would like to learn more, please call us at (865) 205-2770 or contact us online. We can assist you in the admissions process or provide additional information.