Everyone has occasional feelings of anxiety — it’s a normal, expected response to situations like relationship conflict, moving to a different city or starting a new job. However, if feelings of anxiety start to interfere with your daily life and prevent you from functioning, you might have an anxiety disorder.
Adults age 18+ can take advantage of acute inpatient treatment for anxiety disorders at Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast in Moosic, Pa., which is convenient to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Through trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, we can help you learn to manage anxiety symptoms and find lasting healing.
Anxiety disorder statistics
There are a number of different anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. In fact, anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental illnesses people have in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
That’s exactly why you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help if you have an anxiety disorder. Because more than 30% of American adults show signs of an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, it’s a well-known mental health issue. Even better, it’s treatable.
Seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder reduces your likelihood of having to go to the doctor and your likelihood of being hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder (according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America).
Adolescents can benefit from treatment, too, since 7% of children under the age of 18 have anxiety concerns yearly, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Most adults who have anxiety have symptoms before age 21.
Anxiety is a treatable condition. By seeking any of the various evidence-based treatments for your anxiety disorder, you can learn effective coping skills and lead a fulfilling, productive life.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders
Knowing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder is the first step in healing. Because anxiety affects everyone differently, symptoms can vary from mild feelings of stress to fear, panic or distress that negatively affects your relationships, job and sense of well-being. While there are different types of anxiety disorders, common anxiety symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of worry about your life
- Feeling restless, fatigued or irritable
- Difficulty concentrating, sleeping or remembering things
- Muscle tension or shortness of breath
- Sudden or prolonged feelings of discomfort, dread or fear
- Problems with relationships or job performance
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but it can become excessive and persistent for some people, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. The exact causes of anxiety disorders aren’t fully understood and can vary. Researchers believe a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
Having proper treatment for anxiety — instead of trying to manage your symptoms on your own — can help you avoid impacts on your quality of life, such as decreased productivity, impaired social functioning and even the development of other mental health conditions, such as depression.
Types of anxiety disorder
The most common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves ongoing, excessive worry about various things, such as work, school, finances and health. Physical symptoms of muscle tension, fatigue and headaches are common. GAD often develops gradually, and symptoms may worsen during times of stress or when you have a significant life change.
- Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and intense attacks of fear or panic, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations. Panic attacks can occur without warning and can be debilitating.
- Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear or anxiety in social situations, such as public speaking, meeting new people and eating in public. If you have social anxiety disorder, you may fear embarrassment, judgment or rejection in social situations. The fear and avoidance associated with social anxiety disorder can affect your ability to form relationships, attend school or work and perform daily activities.
Symptoms of the various anxiety disorders can overlap. The mental health professionals at our anxiety disorder treatment center will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan based on your needs and goals
Anxiety disorder treatment
If you’re thinking of pursuing treatment for an anxiety disorder, the team at Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast is here to help. Amid the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, we can help you discover the root of your anxiety and learn effective ways to manage your thoughts and behaviors. Our multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists and psychologists, medical staff and other allied health professionals can provide you with resources and support as you develop healthy coping skills to manage anxiety symptoms.
Before you arrive at our northeastern Pennsylvania anxiety disorder treatment center, you’ll complete an initial evaluation over the phone with an admissions counselor or registered nurse. During this preliminary interview, they’ll discuss with you whether our facility is the best fit for your needs. Criteria for admission will ultimately be determined by a physician if inpatient treatment is appropriate.
When you arrive at our anxiety disorder treatment center, our warm and welcoming staff will assess your symptoms. Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and might include:
- Individual or group therapy led daily by a board-certified psychologist or other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and behavioral health technicians
- Basic medical care and treatment for preexisting conditions provided by our certified physician assistants, nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurses
- Medication management services delivered by psychiatrists and physicians
- Experiential therapies led by our creative arts therapists
- Working with an occupational therapist or dietitian
Individual and group therapy sessions are guided by principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and, if appropriate, the 12-Step model of recovery. These types of therapy focus on identifying and then changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety disorders — done through group discussions, mindfulness activities and personal self-examination.
Your treatment is provided by staff members who understand that achieving lasting change takes time, encouragement and support. At our anxiety disorder treatment center, you can expect to participate in a minimum of three group or individual therapy sessions daily. During your inpatient stay, you’ll learn skills to help you better understand your emotions, communicate more effectively with others and focus on personal growth and change.
How to choose the right treatment center for anxiety disorder
Getting treatment for an anxiety disorder can help you find relief from anxious thoughts and feelings and live a more fulfilling life. Some things to ask yourself when researching an anxiety disorder treatment center might include:
- What types of care are provided?
- What does the admissions process look like?
- How long am I expected to stay in treatment?
- Will I receive a customized treatment plan that caters to my needs?
- Are there medical professionals on staff to address the physical symptoms of anxiety disorders?
- What happens after I leave treatment?
Seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder is a brave step. At Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast, you can expect warm and knowledgeable staff; a safe, comfortable and spacious therapeutic setting; and programs that can help you achieve long-term healing from anxiety. However, we will not focus solely on your diagnosis. We’re here to help you define and embrace your strengths, build resiliency and sustain success in all areas of your life.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast.