Mental Health

Understanding anxiety, mood, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorders

Common Questions

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness about situations that may seem uncertain or threatening. While occasional anxiety is normal and can even help individuals prepare for challenges, excessive or persistent anxiety can interfere with daily functioning and overall well-being. It may cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, or difficulty breathing, along with mental symptoms like restlessness, irritability, and trouble concentrating. When these feelings become overwhelming or hard to control, they may indicate an anxiety disorder that requires attention and support.

How is GAD treated?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, persistent worry about everyday situations such as work, relationships, health, or finances. Unlike normal anxiety, the worry in GAD is difficult to control and often occurs without a specific reason. People with GAD may experience restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and overall well-being.

Treatment for GAD typically includes a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches, helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety. Medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms. In addition, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, regular exercise, and healthy sleep habits can support long-term relief and emotional balance. With proper treatment, most people with GAD can significantly reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What triggers panic attacks?

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can occur unexpectedly or be triggered by stress, anxiety, or specific phobias. During a panic attack, individuals may experience symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, chest pain, or a feeling of losing control. These episodes can be frightening and often lead to worry about future attacks. While the exact cause can vary, panic attacks are linked to both biological and psychological factors, and effective treatment may include therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Bipolar I Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include episodes of mania and depression. During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, high energy, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, and a decreased need for sleep. Depressive episodes often bring feelings of sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. These mood shifts can significantly impact relationships, work, and overall functioning.

Bipolar II Disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than the full manic episodes seen in Bipolar I. Individuals with Bipolar II may experience elevated mood and increased productivity during hypomania but do not reach the extreme levels of mania. However, the depressive episodes can still be intense and disabling. Both types of bipolar disorder are treatable through a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle management aimed at stabilizing mood and improving quality of life.

What is Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar II Disorder?