What is anxiety?
Anxiety is experienced by some people as intense worry, stress, or fear. It’s a very normal response to situations that can seem overwhelming. However, it is worth noting an anxiety disorder is different from a general experience with anxiety. The difference is based on how strong your anxiety experience is and on how it interferes with your ability to do things.
People who have an anxiety disorder tend to experience intense worry for long periods of time about everyday situations. It also tends to feel a lot worse than the actual risk of danger in those situations. It’s common for an anxiety disorder to get in the way of daily tasks too. The condition can lead to avoiding people or places to lessen the feelings of anxiety. There are several types of anxiety disorders including: generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and others.
What does anxiety feel like?
Emotions
- Fear or sense of danger
- Worry
- Nervous
- Stress
- Discomfort
Behaviors
- Avoiding people or places
- Inability to sleep
- Trouble concentrating
Physical
- Rapid heart rate
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Sweating, blushing, or shaking
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Muscle tenseness and pain
When is anxiety a problem?
Anxiety is a normal response to a lot of situations, but when the feelings become overwhelming and they stop you from doing things every day it’s a good time to ask for help.
If you feel like anxiety is becoming hard to control, harms your relationships, makes you feel depressed, or is giving you physical health problems, you should check in with your doctor or a mental health therapist. Some solutions may be medications, therapy, or other things you can do at home on your own.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, there are resources you can use to get help. You can call or text the Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. It’s available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year. The lifeline connects you with a trained crisis worker who can talk to you about the problems you’re facing and help direct you to the right treatment for you.
Resources for Anxiety
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.
Behavioral Health Services Navigation Line
When you call the Intermountain Behavioral Health Services Navigation line, you can expect to talk to someone who can help you access your needs and connect you with the right resources.
myStrength App
For self-guided mental health, access myStrength for free with registration code MYHEALTHPLUS. Download the app on Apple App Store/Google Play or:
Live On
Live On provides resources for those struggling with suicidal ideation or other mental health concerns.
Treatment Locator
The Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator sponsored by the Subtance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can you help you anonymously seek behavioral health treatment anywhere in the United States.
National Institute of Mental Health
Learn more about the various types of anxiety disorders, including signs, symptoms, and risk factors.
Connect Care: Behavioral Health
Connect Care virtual appointments can be done anywhere in Utah, Idaho, or Nevada using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Mindfulness
Intermountain offers free guided mindfulness classes that can help reduce stress.