Anxiety Treatment & Support
Key takeaways
- Anxiety can show up in your thoughts, body, and daily routines. But many adults don’t recognize it as anxiety until it becomes severe
- When anxiety is too much to handle alone, experts at Montage Health can help you make sense of your symptoms and feel more like yourself again
- We offer personalized anxiety care for adults, including therapy, medications, and treatment for overlapping conditions, like ADHD
Summary
Anxiety is common, and it can look different from person to person or overlap with other concerns. Our providers offer personalized evaluations, medication management, and therapy for anxiety in Monterey County so you can find support close to home.
Everyone feels anxious at times, but when that feeling lingers, it can be confusing and exhausting. You might lie awake at night, feel tense for no clear reason, or notice that stress is hitting harder than it used to. It’s easy to second-guess yourself or wonder if it really “counts” as anxiety.
Whatever you’re experiencing, we’re here to support you. At Montage Health, you’ll find compassionate providers who take the time to understand your story and help you find peace again.
What does anxiety look like in adults?
Anxiety shows up in different ways, depending on the person. Some people describe it as constant worry. Others feel it in their body before they notice it in their mind. Common signs include:
- Avoidance of overwhelming situations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling on edge, restless, or overstimulated
- Feeling tired but unable to relax
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Poor sleep habits
- Racing thoughts
- Trouble shutting your mind off
You may ask, “Can you be anxious and not know it?” The answer is yes. Many people get used to living with stress and don’t recognize it as anxiety until it starts affecting their health, relationships, or daily routines.
The most common types of anxiety in adults
Adults can experience several forms of anxiety, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Ongoing worry about daily life
- Panic disorder: Sudden, intense episodes of fear
- Phobias: Strong fears tied to specific situations or triggers
- Separation anxiety: Worry or distress when away from a loved one or safe place
- Social anxiety: Fear or discomfort in social or performance situations
It’s common to wonder if it’s anxiety or something else. Our experts can help you answer these questions during an evaluation. We also offer care for anxiety-related conditions, including:
Anxiety and ADHD overlap in adults
Anxiety and ADHD can look a lot alike, which can make things confusing. Both can lead to trouble focusing, restlessness, and overwhelm. The difference is usually why those symptoms are happening. With ADHD, attention drifts because your brain struggles to stay focused. With anxiety, your mind locks onto worries and won’t let go.
Some adults experience anxiety and ADHD at the same time. Our providers will help you sort through these symptoms so your treatment plan is accurate and personalized.
Anxiety vs. panic attack
People often use the terms “anxiety” and “panic attack” interchangeably, but they feel very different. Anxiety tends to build gradually and linger throughout the day. A panic attack comes on suddenly, often with strong physical symptoms, such as:
- A racing heart
- A sense of impending danger
- Chest tightness
- Feeling like you can’t catch your breath
- Sweating
What to do if you think you have anxiety
If you’ve noticed signs of anxiety in your daily life, a few small changes can help you feel more in control:
- Aim for consistent, restful sleep
- Break tasks into smaller steps
- Limit screen time
- Make time for quiet, calming activities, such as reading or crafts
- Practice slow, steady breathing
- Take short breaks to stretch or move your body
These strategies can be especially powerful during stressful days. But if anxiety keeps coming back or becomes overwhelming, it may be time to talk to an expert. They can help you understand what’s going on and provide effective, long-term ways to feel better.
How we treat anxiety
Our team starts by listening to you. We’ll talk about what you’ve been feeling, what your days look like, and anything that might be adding stress. From there, we’ll decide together on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level. It may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to help you understand patterns and build coping skills
- Lifestyle support focused on sleep, physical activity, and daily routines
- Medication to ease anxiety symptoms
- Mind-body approaches, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises
- Support for co-occurring conditions, including depression, ADHD, or trauma
No matter what treatment you choose, you won’t have to navigate it alone. Our team will check in often to answer questions and make adjustments as needed, so your care evolves with you.
People also ask
Do anxiety disorders get worse with age?
For some people, mild anxiety comes and goes. But when anxiety becomes persistent and interferes with your routines or relationships, it usually will not go away without support.
Do anxiety disorders get worse with age?
Anxiety can fluctuate over time. Without support, symptoms may become more noticeable as responsibilities, health changes, or stress increase. Getting help early can prevent symptoms from building and reduce the risk of anxiety becoming more severe later.
Do anxiety disorders get worse with age?
This is one of the most common patient questions. Anxiety can mimic sleep problems, thyroid changes, ADHD, depression, side effects from medications, and other conditions. A mental health evaluation can help clarify what’s happening and rule out other causes. You don’t need to figure it out on your own.
