Our approach to anxiety care

When anxiety won't let you live your life, we're here to help you find peace.

We understand how anxiety can make you feel like life is unmanageable, like the world is spinning too fast, and like there's no way to stop it. Together, we can develop a personalized care plan to help you navigate your anxiety and take back control.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at times. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or interferes with daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults each year.

Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear and can interfere with daily activities. Some people may not experience symptoms, while others may have several.

It's important to reach out for professional help if you experience any of the following signs, especially if they don't go away or get worse over time:

• feeling restless, wound-up, or on edge
• getting tired easily
• having difficulty concentrating or "going blank"
• feeling irritable
• having muscle tension
• having difficulty controlling feelings of worry
• having trouble sleeping

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own unique symptoms. Some of the most common types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

People with GAD experience excessive worry or anxiety for at least six months. This worry or anxiety may be accompanied by:

• restlessness
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• irritability
• muscle tension
• sleep problems

Panic disorder

People with panic disorder experience sudden, unexpected panic attacks. These panic attacks are characterized by intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms, such as:

• heart palpitations
• sweating
• trembling
• shortness of breath
• chest pain

Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

People with SAD experience intense fear or anxiety in social situations. This fear or anxiety may be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as:

• blushing
• sweating
• trembling
• nausea

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help. We can help diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

When to seek care for anxiety

If you're experiencing any symptoms of anxiety, it's important to reach out to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life. You're not alone, and we can help.

How we diagnose anxiety

• We'll listen to you: Tell us about your symptoms and how they're affecting your life.
• We'll perform a physical exam: Sometimes, anxiety can be caused by an underlying medical condition. Some physical conditions can imitate or worsen anxiety disorder. Those include:
  • overactive thryroid
  • low blood sugar
  • certain medications
• We’ll review possible other related behavioral health issues: We’ll screen you for other conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or eating disorder.
• We may recommend a psychological assessment: This assessment can help us determine the type of anxiety you have and the best way to treat it.

Treatments for anxiety

We understand that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and we'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your individual needs.

Your treatment may include:

• group therapy to help you connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and learn coping mechanisms
• psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, to help you understand the root of your anxiety and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving
• cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): a type of psychotherapy that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety
• medication when necessary to manage anxiety symptoms. We'll work with you to find the best medication for you and monitor your progress closely.

We're here to support you on your journey to recovery. With the right treatment, you can manage your anxiety and live a full and happy life.

Why choose WellSpan for anxiety care?

Collaborative team of experts

Our team of mental health providers includes psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, therapists and other specialized providers.

Evidence-based approach

We use evidence-based treatments and therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and medication, to provide personalized care plans tailored to each patient's needs.

Convenient locations

We have multiple convenient locations throughout the region, making it easy for patients to access the care they need.