Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Understanding Anxiety & Panic Disorder
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns among adults—but that doesn’t make it any less disruptive. For some, it’s a constant sense of unease or excessive worry that doesn’t shut off. For others, it can feel like fear has taken over the body—racing heart, shallow breathing, abdominal discomfort, tight chest, or even full-blown panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere.
Anxiety and panic can affect every part of your life, from how you show up at work to how you connect with others. It’s not just “being stressed”—it’s a pattern of physical and emotional responses that can keep you on high alert even when nothing is wrong. Left untreated, it can impact sleep, concentration, relationships, and self-confidence.
How This Might Show Up in Your Life
Anxiety and panic disorders can look different for everyone, but here are some common experiences:
Constant worrying, even about small or unlikely scenarios
Difficulty relaxing or “shutting off” your mind
Physical symptoms like muscle tension or gastrointestinal discomfort
Avoiding social situations or responsibilities out of fear or overwhelm
Sudden panic attacks that seem to come without warning
Trouble falling or staying asleep due to racing thoughts
Feeling emotionally drained or “on edge” most of the time
These symptoms can be exhausting—especially when you’re trying to maintain your responsibilities and hold everything together for others.
How Anna Helps
At Mood Recovery Clinic, I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, panic, and the challenges that often come with them—like chronic stress, overthinking, or feeling stuck. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where we can explore what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Together, we’ll look at the patterns fueling your anxiety—whether they’re tied to past trauma, perfectionism, or something else entirely. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to help you interrupt the anxiety cycle and build skills that actually stick.
If medication might be helpful, we’ll talk through your options and make a plan that feels right for you. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic attacks, I tailor care to your needs, your pace, and your life.
What You Can Work On Between Sessions
Managing anxiety takes time and consistency, but even small steps can help regulate your nervous system. Here are a few strategies Anna often shares with clients to begin reducing anxiety between sessions:
- Track your symptoms: Use a journal or app to note when anxiety peaks, what triggers it, and how you respond. This can help identify patterns and reduce feelings of unpredictability.
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing: Slowing your breath can signal safety to your body. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for six—once or twice a day.
- Limit stimulants: Caffeine and alcohol can worsen anxiety symptoms in some people. Consider gradually reducing intake and observing how your body responds.
- Be gentle with yourself: Anxiety can come with harsh self-judgment. Practice noticing your inner dialogue and replacing critical thoughts with something more neutral or compassionate.
These techniques aren’t meant to replace professional support—but they can serve as a foundation while building new habits and self-awareness in therapy.
