What is Anxiety
Anxiety affects your feelings of safety and confidence. It is not a grave illness. Many people get anxious, especially under stress. But when too frequent or too intense, it can make life tough.
The National Institute of Mental Health says that up to 20% of adults experience anxiety each year. When anxiety is part of your everyday, recognizing it early and seeking help is key.
Types of Anxiety
Your anxiety symptoms can vary by type.
General anxiety disorder (GAD). This involves persistent worrying about various activities and events. You might feel uneasy, restless, have trouble concentrating, and feel tired.
Panic disorder. This involves intense feelings of doom, often with trembling, sweating, or chest pain.
Social anxiety. If you fear being criticized or watched by others, and it stops you from interacting, you might have social anxiety. Physical symptoms can include sweating, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat.
Phobia-related disorders. Intense fear of specific actions, objects, or situations defines this type. Common phobias are agoraphobia, acrophobia, and claustrophobia. When people encounter their fear, they can tremble, sweat, or feel other physical symptoms.
Substance-induced anxiety disorder. Certain medications or drugs can trigger intense panic symptoms.
Other specified and unspecified anxiety disorder. This category covers anxiety or phobias that do not fit into other types.
Remember, recognizing these signs is the first step. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment requires a specialist.
How Anxiety Feels. Symptoms and Signs of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Having one or more risk factors does not mean anxiety will develop. Symptoms vary widely too. Common causes include:
Genetic and inherited factors. A family history of anxiety disorders could mean a higher risk.
Brain structure and function. Differences in brain areas like the amygdala (emotion processing) and the prefrontal cortex (emotion regulation) are often linked to anxiety.
Brain chemistry and hormonal factors. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin, as well as hormonal shifts, can trigger anxiety.
Environment factors. Stressful or traumatic events can cause anxiety symptoms.
Personal traits. Tendencies towards perfectionism or negative thinking can heighten anxiety risk.
Medical conditions and substances. Certain health issues, such as heart disease and thyroid issues, and substance use can lead to anxiety symptoms.
Childhood trauma. Neglect, abuse, or chronic stress early in life can make you more likely to suffer from anxiety.
Knowing these causes can help you understand anxiety better and get the treatment you need.
How to Cope With Anxiety Disorders
Our goal is to help you significantly improve your mental wellbeing. We combine medication, psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, and proven non-medication treatments, all tailored to your condition. Remember, taking care of your health is not just about managing symptoms. It is about finding a long-term solution.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-Based
Therapies
Lifestyle and Health Coaching
This therapy helps you change negative thinking and behavior patterns, helping reduce anxiety.
Practices like meditation can keep you grounded in the present, helping manage anxiety.
Changes in your daily life, like regular physical activity and a healthy diet, can significantly boost your mental health and reduce anxiety.
Medication
Sometimes, antidepressants are prescribed to manage symptoms.
Exposure Therapy
Often used for phobias, this therapy gradually exposes you to your fears in a controlled setting, reducing anxiety over time.
How We Can Support You
Our psychiatric nurse practitioners and life coaches offer people with anxiety personalized plans, including medication management, psychoeducation, and evidence-based non-pharmacological treatments.
At Alta MH, we see you as a whole person, not just your symptoms. Our goal is to help you improve your mental health in a meaningful way – guiding and supporting you in changing your thoughts, feelings, and actions for lasting improvements and a happier, brighter future.
How You Can Pay
Accepted Insurances
Self-Pay Rates
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Medicare
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Blue Cross Blue Shield
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United Healthcare
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Always / Mass General Brigham Health Plan
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Harvard Pilgrim
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Cigna
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Aetna
No-show or late cancellation (under 24 hours) fee: $50.
Medication Clinic:
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Initial intake – $250
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Follow-up – $175
Outpatient Therapy: ​
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Family – $225
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Parenting coaching – $150 (individual)
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Parenting coaching – $200 (couple)
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Group Therapy – $100 per person
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Individual Therapy:
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30 Minute – $70
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45 Minute – $100
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60 Minute – $130
Key Questions on Anxiety
Why does anxiety happen?
Anxiety is the instinctive "fight or flight” response mechanism, essential for survival. But when this mechanism triggers too often or too intensely in non-threatening situations, it presents a problem.
What are the anxiety statistics?
The World Health Organization estimates 4% of the global population suffers from anxiety disorders. It's more common in women and particularly prevalent among adults aged 18–24. In Massachusetts, 30.8% of adults reported anxiety and/or depression symptoms in early 2023.
Why do I feel anxious for no reason at all?
You could feel anxiety without an obvious cause due to health issues, subconscious triggers, generalized anxiety disorder, stress, or hormonal changes. To understand and manage these feelings, it is important to speak with a mental health professional. Getting help early can reduce the severity and prevent the symptoms from becoming worse.
What does anxiety feel like?
Individuals experience anxiety differently, and its intensity and duration vary. Anxiety is associated with excessive worry, catastrophic thinking, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, and avoidance behaviors.
Does anxiety have a genetic component?
Genetics play a role. Your risk for anxiety disorders increases if you come from a family with a history of the disorder, but environmental factors can also play a role.
Who can diagnose anxiety?
Mental health professionals such as psychiatric nurse practitioners are qualified to diagnose anxiety disorders using clinical assessments and criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Can anxiety be treated without medication?
Yes. Treatments like psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help manage anxiety without relying on medications.
