"I'm just anxious" is something I hear often in my Auburn practice. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, clinical anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million adults in the United States. Understanding the difference between normal worry and an anxiety disorder can be the first step toward finding relief.

What Is Anxiety, Really?

Anxiety is our body's natural response to stress or perceived danger. It's actually designed to protect us—when we sense threat, our nervous system activates the "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones that prepare us to face danger or escape from it.

In small doses and appropriate situations, anxiety can be helpful. It might motivate you to study for an important exam, help you stay alert while driving, or prepare you for a job interview. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or interferes with your daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own characteristics:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People with GAD experience excessive worry about various aspects of life—work, relationships, health, finances—often without a specific trigger. This worry is difficult to control and interferes with daily activities. In Auburn, I often see students and professionals struggling with GAD when facing academic or career pressures.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety involves intense fear of social situations where you might be judged or scrutinized by others. This can be particularly challenging for Auburn University students navigating new social environments, group projects, or public speaking requirements.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear (panic attacks) that can include physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. These attacks can be so frightening that people often worry about when the next one will occur.

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias involve intense fear of particular objects or situations, such as flying, heights, animals, or medical procedures. The fear is typically disproportionate to the actual danger posed.

Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety affects people differently, but common symptoms include:

Anxiety in the Auburn Community

Living in Auburn presents unique stressors that can contribute to anxiety. College students face academic pressure, social transitions, and uncertainty about the future. Faculty and staff navigate demanding schedules and high expectations. Community members may deal with economic concerns or life transitions.

The seasonal nature of university life also affects our community's mental health. The stress of new semesters, exams, graduation, and summer transitions can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. Understanding these local patterns helps me provide more relevant support to my clients.

Effective Treatment Options

The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Evidence-based treatments include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It's one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders and provides practical skills you can use long after therapy ends.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Mindfulness practices help you observe anxious thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them. These techniques can reduce the intensity of anxiety and improve your ability to stay present.

Exposure Therapy

For specific phobias and some types of anxiety, gradually and safely facing feared situations can reduce anxiety over time. This is always done at a pace that feels manageable.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if anxiety:

• • Interferes with your daily activities, work, or relationships
• • Prevents you from doing things you enjoy
• • Causes significant distress
• • Leads to avoidance of important activities
• • Is accompanied by depression or substance use
• • Includes thoughts of self-harm

Taking the First Step

If you recognize yourself in this description of anxiety, know that you're not alone and that effective help is available. Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions, and with the right support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and reclaim your quality of life.

In my Auburn practice, I work with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals. Whether you're dealing with test anxiety, social fears, or persistent worry, therapy can provide you with the tools and support you need to feel better.