Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than just feeling worried or overthinking situations. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common and complex mental health condition that can manifest in various ways. While anxiety is a natural and often protective response to stress, persistent and overwhelming anxiety can impact daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Some people struggling with anxiety may feel a sense of embarrassment and shame, leading them to hide their anxiety. It’s important to know that anxiety is common and treatable, and help is available. Our practitioners are committed to partnering with you, tailoring treatment options to best suit your needs.

You’re Not Alone

Anxiety is incredibly common. In fact, it’s the most frequently diagnosed mental health condition in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults each year—that’s nearly 1 in 5 people. And here in Utah, the numbers are even higher. Around 33% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in 2023, above the national average.

Those numbers reflect a deeper truth: if you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re far from alone. Many of us are trying to carry the weight of modern life—work, relationships, parenting, trauma, uncertainty—all while pretending we’re “fine.”

You don’t have to keep pretending. You don’t have to push through it alone. There are tools and support systems that can help you feel better, and it starts with a conversation.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety differently, but here are some common signs:

• Persistent or excessive worry about everyday situations
• Feeling restless, tense, or on edge
• Racing thoughts or difficulty controlling worry
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping
• Muscle tension, stomach aches, or headaches
• A sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
• Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety
• Panic attacks—sudden, intense surges of fear with physical symptoms

It’s also possible to live with anxiety without recognizing it as such—especially if it’s always been part of your “normal.” You might describe yourself as a perfectionist, overthinker, or someone who “just can’t relax.” But underneath that might be a nervous system working overtime.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are different forms of anxiety, each with their own unique patterns:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic worry about various aspects of life—work, relationships, health—even when there’s no obvious reason to be concerned.
• Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and a persistent fear of having more.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social or performance situations.
• Phobias: Strong, irrational fear of specific objects or situations, such as flying, heights, or certain animals.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being away from people you’re attached to, often seen in children but also present in adults.
• Health Anxiety (Hypochondria): Obsessive worry about having a serious illness, often triggered by normal bodily sensations.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety doesn’t usually have one single cause. Instead, it tends to arise from a mix of factors, including:

• Genetics: Anxiety often runs in families.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, or GABA can affect how your brain processes fear and worry.
• Life experiences: Trauma, high-stress environments, or significant life changes can trigger or worsen anxiety.
• Personality traits: People who are highly sensitive, conscientious, or prone to perfectionism may be more vulnerable.
• Health conditions: Chronic illness, hormonal shifts, or other medical factors can play a role.

Sometimes anxiety shows up without a clear cause, which can make it feel even more frustrating. But just because you can’t pinpoint a single trigger doesn’t mean what you’re feeling isn’t valid.

How We Treat Anxiety at Headlight?

At Headlight, we understand that anxiety is deeply personal—which means your treatment should be too. We offer a comprehensive, collaborative approach to care, designed to meet you where you are and help you move toward lasting relief. Our team includes experienced therapists and psychiatric providers who work together to develop a plan that supports your needs, values, and goals.

Treatment options at Headlight include:

• Therapy: Our licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT, mindfulness practices, EMDR and somatic techniques to help you understand your anxiety and build practical tools to manage it. Therapy is a safe space to explore what’s driving your anxiety and learn new ways to respond with self-awareness and care.
• Medication Management: For some people, medication can provide meaningful relief from anxiety symptoms. Our psychiatric providers will work with you to evaluate whether medication might be helpful, and if so, guide you through the options in a thoughtful, collaborative way.
• Spravato® (esketamine): For individuals with treatment-resistant anxiety and depression, Spravato may offer a new path to relief. Administered in a controlled setting under the supervision of our trained staff, Spravato is a fast-acting medication that can support deeper healing when other approaches haven’t worked.

A lot of our clients find success with a multifaceted approach—combining therapy, medication, or treatments like Spravato®—to support their mental health goals. Talk with your provider to figure out what plan is best for you. We’re here to collaborate and support you every step of the way.

Our Providers are experts in Anxiety treatments