Understanding Anxiety: When Worry Becomes Overwhelming

Anxiety is a natural part of life. We all feel nervous or worried from time to time—before a big test, a job interview, or while waiting on important news. But when anxiety becomes a constant companion showing up in your body, your sleep, and your daily thoughts—it can take a toll on your well-being.

At Hammond Health, I work with individuals who are tired of feeling stuck in a cycle of fear and “what ifs.” Whether you're dealing with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety, you're not alone and you don't have to keep white-knuckling your way through it.

What Does Anxiety Really Feel Like?

Anxiety isn’t just “being stressed.” It can show up in many different ways:

• Racing thoughts that won’t slow down

• Trouble sleeping or waking up feeling restless

• Constant overthinking or anticipating the worst

• Chest tightness, stomachaches, or muscle tension

• Avoiding people, places, or activities you used to enjoy

• Feeling “on edge” most of the time

  
  

How I Can Help

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in working with people struggling with anxiety. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving your symptoms, and create a plan that’s tailored to you. That plan might include:

• Medication management to help regulate anxiety symptoms

• Coping skills and lifestyle tools to reduce overwhelm

• Supportive therapy during our sessions to address patterns of worry

• Collaborative care, where you are always involved in decision-making

  
  

Whether this is your first time seeking support or you’ve been managing anxiety for years, it’s never too late to find relief.

"Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the United States every year—about 19.1% of the population—making it the most common mental health condition."

(Source: National Institute of Mental Health, 2024)