Understanding Anxiety: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Find Relief.
December 3, 2025You’re Not Alone, And Help Is Within Reach
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. It’s a normal human emotion, often triggered by stress or uncertainty. But for many people, anxiety becomes something more, a persistent, overwhelming feeling that interferes with daily life.
If that sounds familiar, know this: you’re not alone, and anxiety is treatable. At St. Mary’s Health Care System, we believe in supporting the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, and we’re here to help you find calm, clarity, and relief.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, a feeling of fear or worry about what’s to come. But when that feeling becomes constant, intense, or out of proportion to the situation, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can show up in many ways, including:
- Racing thoughts or constant worry
- Tension or restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach or headaches
- Avoiding situations or places due to fear
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Each person’s experience is unique, but all forms of anxiety are valid and worthy of care.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety doesn’t have a single cause. It often results from a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Common contributors include:
- Stressful life events (illness, job loss, relationship changes)
- Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Medical conditions, such as heart arrhythmias or thyroid disorders
- Chronic pain or health concerns
- Hormonal changes (including during pregnancy, menopause, or postpartum)
- Caffeine, alcohol, or drug use
- Lack of sleep or poor nutrition
Whatever the root cause, anxiety is not a weakness or personal failing. It’s a real condition, and it’s okay to ask for help.
How to Find Relief
The good news? Anxiety is treatable. Many people find relief with a combination of therapies, support, and lifestyle changes. Here are some proven options:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling can help you manage anxious thoughts, break worry cycles, and learn healthy coping strategies.
In some cases, short- or long-term medication can help balance brain chemistry and reduce symptoms. Your provider can guide you through your options.
- Regular exercise (even walking helps)
- Consistent sleep and meals
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Mindfulness or meditation
- Journaling or creative outlets
- Social connection and support
Understanding what makes your anxiety worse and creating a plan to respond can give you a sense of control and resilience.
When to Talk to a Provider
It’s time to reach out if anxiety is:
- Keeping you from work, school, or social activities
- Affecting your sleep or health
- Making it hard to enjoy life
- Causing panic attacks or overwhelming fear
Primary care providers are often the first step. They can evaluate your symptoms, rule out underlying health conditions, and connect you with behavioral health specialists.
Here are some of the St. Mary’s primary care locations where you can start the conversation:
- Athens Internal Medicine Associates – Athens
- Community Internal Medicine of Athens – Athens
- Georgia Family Medicine – Watkinsville
- Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greater Greene County area
- Sacred Heart Primary Care – Greater Franklin County area
- St. Mary's Family Medicine – Bogart
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates – Watkinsville/Oconee
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates on Chase – North Athens/Jackson/Madison
- St. Mary's Primary Care – Athens
You Deserve Peace
Anxiety can feel isolating, but it’s incredibly common, and there is help. With the right care and support, you can feel like yourself again.
You don’t have to carry anxiety alone. Let’s take the first step together.
