You may be dealing with
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress that helps us cope with a tense situation and serves to improve performance. For example, driving in heavy traffic is a common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. Anxiety can also interfere with a person’s life by causing intense feelings of fear or distress, and can impair a person’s relationships or ability to work or go to school if not treated.
There are various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder and phobias. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. People typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness, decreased sex drive, irritability
- Increased muscle tension
- Chest pain, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling around other people
- Poor concentration or memory
- Fear that something terrible is about to happen
- Feelings of being cut off from reality
- Feelings that others are talking about you or judging you
- Feeling very self-conscious in front of other people and worried about feeling humiliated, embarrassed, rejected, or fearful of offending others
Causes and Risk Factors
Mental illness is not your fault. There is no single cause for mental health disorders; instead, they can be caused by a mixture of biological, psychological and environmental factors. People who have a family history of mental health disorders may be more prone to developing one at some point.
An estimated 40 million adults in the U.S. (18%) have an anxiety disorder making it the most common mental health condition. Additionally, 8% of children and teenagers experience this condition, and most people develop symptoms before age 21. Research shows that the frequent interaction of both genetic and environmental factors contribute to anxiety disorders, including shyness in childhood, exposure to stressful life events, and anxiety disorders in close biological relatives – to name a few.
How We Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health condition like anxiety, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The Center for Health Care Services can help. Our Adult Behavioral Health Division offers the following comprehensive services.
In the event of a mental health crisis including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call the 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline at 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). If harm to self or others is imminent, call 9-1-1.
The CHCS team helps people find hope, determine their path to wellness, and discover their way to an independent, productive life.
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Medical follow-ups and management
- Wellness counseling, education and therapy
- Integrated and primary care
- Individual and group therapy
- Psychosocial rehabilitation
- Case management
- Crisis services
- And other services to support each person’s goals for recovery
Programs
Outpatient Mental Health Services for Adults
Comprehensive mental health services to support each person’s goals for recovery, including: psychiatric evaluation and treatment, medication management, wellness counseling and education, individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, psychosocial rehabilitation, and case management offered at a variety of locations.
How to Enroll in Adult Behavioral Health Services
For more information, or to enroll in mental health services, please call (210)-261-CHCS (2427)
Resources
Comprehensive mental health services to support each person’s goals for recovery, including: psychiatric evaluation and treatment, medication management, wellness counseling and education, individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, psychosocial rehabilitation, and case management offered at a variety of locations.
