Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States. If you live with distressing anxiety, contact Paulina Gastelum, LCSW, at Healing Moon in Northfield, New Jersey. Paulina provides expert diagnosis and an integrated approach to treating anxiety. Call Healing Moon, or schedule a consultation online today if anxiety is interfering with your quality of life.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause intrusive, distressing, and disproportionate fears and worries. 

Everyone feels anxious occasionally, but these feelings are usually related to a specific stressor, such as family health or a big project at work. The anxiety surrounding those events passes. An anxiety disorder doesn’t go away on its own and typically becomes more severe with time. 

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder, which causes intense fears about everyday situations, is the most common type of anxiety disorder. 

However, you might also experience: 

• Social anxiety disorder 
• Separation anxiety disorder 
• Panic disorder 
• Specific phobias 

Many people with anxiety also have other mental health conditions. For example, you might have symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder as well as anxiety.

When should I talk to a doctor about anxiety?

Anxiety can cause a variety of disruptive mental and physical symptoms, including:

• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Sense of panic or impending doom
• Sleep disruptions
• Reduced concentration and decision-making
• Changes to eating habits
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Rapid respiration or heart rate
• Trembling
• Digestive symptoms
• Avoidance

If these symptoms sound familiar and are interfering with your ability to perform at work or function at home, it’s time to talk to Paulina at Healing Moon. She offers personalized treatment plans to help reduce your anxiety.

How is anxiety treated?

When it comes to treating anxiety, Paulina takes an integrated approach. She begins with a consultation to assess your condition and understand your needs. 

You explore the causes and work together on practical solutions to your challenges. 

Many people benefit from a combination of therapies. Depending on your needs, Paulina creates customized treatment plans that could include:

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle modifications
• Alternative therapies

Paulina uses innovative pharmacogenomic testing to identify which medications are most likely to provide rapid relief from your symptoms. 

While medication can relieve your symptoms, psychotherapy provides a safe and nurturing environment for you to explore and resolve your thoughts and emotions. Paulina can also teach you different techniques for coping with anxious feelings. 

Additionally, many people benefit from adjusting their diets and adding physical activity to their daily routines. Paulina might also recommend meditation, yoga, or other activities that can help you calm your mind and manage your anxiety.

Call Healing Moon, or make an appointment online today if you have anxiety that is disrupting your health and quality of life. Telemedicine visits are also available for your convenience.