Chronic anxiety can significantly impact every aspect of life, from professional responsibilities to personal relationships. While many people experience general anxiety that arises due to a specific stressor in life, some people live with chronic anxiety. This is anxiety that persists regardless of stressful circumstances. This often requires a combination of lifestyle changes and professional intervention to help manage the symptoms effectively.
At Columbia Associates, we understand the challenges associated with chronic anxiety and are dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based treatments to help you regain control of your health. For more information on our mental health care and anxiety treatment services, call 703.682.8208 today.
Do I Have Chronic Anxiety?
The best way to determine whether you’re experiencing chronic or general anxiety is by consulting with a professional. One characteristic that may help in this determination is whether your feelings of anxiety have persisted over a long period of time or if you’re feeling anxious about something specific and temporary. Additionally, chronic anxiety is more likely to interfere with a wide variety of daily activities.
Individuals with chronic anxiety may also experience these symptoms:
- Persistent worry or fear
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
It’s important to remember that, left untreated, chronic anxiety persists regardless of external factors.
Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety Symptoms
Aside from seeking out the help of a professional, there are things that individuals can do to help manage the symptoms of anxiety. Doing these things can help alleviate the impact that anxiety has on daily activities:
1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety symptoms. Setting aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness can make a significant difference in managing chronic anxiety.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is known to reduce anxiety levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a workout at the gym, incorporating exercise into your routine can help alleviate anxiety.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental well-being. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help stabilize mood and energy levels. Avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar can also prevent anxiety from worsening.
4. Establish a Routine
Having a structured daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which is beneficial for managing anxiety. Plan your day with regular times for waking up, eating meals, exercising, and relaxing to create a balanced lifestyle.
Prioritizing these strategies as part of a daily routine can make a huge difference in your mental well-being. Many people find them to be an excellent way to calm their minds and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. However, if anxiety is more severe, it may be necessary to combine these efforts with therapy sessions and/or medication.
5. Seek Professional Help
At Columbia Associates, we offer various services to support your mental health journey. Our experienced therapists and psychiatric professionals provide personalized therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Additionally, we offer innovative treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato® for individuals dealing with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.
How Columbia Associates Can Help
Columbia Associates has been a trusted provider of mental health care for over 30 years. We are committed to transforming lives by offering quality, accessible mental health services. Here’s how we can help you manage chronic anxiety:
- Personalized therapy options
- Psychiatric services
- Innovative treatments
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Spravato®
With multiple locations throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area, Columbia Associates makes it easy to access the care you need. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, to ensure our services are affordable and accessible.
Call Columbia Associates Today for Help Managing Chronic Anxiety
Managing chronic anxiety is a journey that requires a combination of practical strategies and professional support. Our team of empathetic mental health care experts is here to assist you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.