Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety can make it difficult to feel fully at ease—even when everything seems fine on the outside. Persistent worry, racing thoughts, physical tension, or feeling constantly on edge can become exhausting and interfere with work, relationships, sleep, and everyday life.
At Fortitude Mental Health Group, we provide thoughtful, personalized psychiatric care to help adults better understand their symptoms and find a treatment approach that feels right for their individual needs and goals.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. At times, it can help us stay alert and prepared. But when worry becomes difficult to control, feels out of proportion to the situation, or begins interfering with daily life, additional support may be helpful. Anxiety does not look the same for everyone. Some people experience constant overthinking or a persistent sense that something is wrong. Others notice more physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, muscle tension, restlessness, stomach discomfort, or difficulty sleeping. Anxiety can also affect concentration, decision-making, relationships, and the ability to enjoy everyday experiences.
What Anxiety Can Feel Like
Thoughts & Emotions
- Excessive worry that feels difficult to control
- Racing thoughts or persistent overthinking
- Feeling restless, tense, or constantly on edge
- Irritability or feeling easily overwhelmed
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- A persistent sense that something bad may happen
Physical & Daily-Life Symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat or feelings of panic
- Muscle tension, headaches, or physical discomfort
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Fatigue or feeling mentally exhausted
- Stomach discomfort or nausea
- Avoiding situations because of fear or worry
Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and having some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify what you are experiencing and whether anxiety or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
Take a Brief Anxiety Screening
This brief screening can help you reflect on anxiety symptoms you may have experienced during the past two weeks.
Your answers are calculated only in your browser and are not submitted to or monitored by Fortitude Mental Health Group.
Approximately 1–2 minutes
This screening is not intended for emergencies or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, may act on thoughts of harming yourself, or feel unable to stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. You may also call or text 988 for immediate crisis support.
Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by:
Your screening result
This screening is not intended for emergencies or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, may act on thoughts of harming yourself, or feel unable to stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. You may also call or text 988 for immediate crisis support.
Based on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, or GAD-7.
Common Presentations of Anxiety We Evaluate and Treat
Generalized Anxiety
Ongoing, difficult-to-control worry about everyday areas of life, which may be accompanied by restlessness, tension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or sleep problems.
Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that may include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, or a feeling of losing control.
Social Anxiety
Intense fear or worry related to social situations, being judged by others, or feeling embarrassed or scrutinized, which may lead to avoidance, distress, or difficulty feeling comfortable in everyday interactions.
Other Anxiety-Related Concerns
Anxiety may also occur alongside depression, ADHD, sleep difficulties, life transitions, medical conditions, or periods of significant stress. A thoughtful evaluation can help clarify how different symptoms may be connected.
Anxiety Can Overlap With Other Conditions
Anxiety symptoms can sometimes overlap with or occur alongside other mental health concerns. Difficulty concentrating, restlessness, sleep disruption, low energy, and feeling overwhelmed can have more than one possible cause. For example, difficulty focusing may be related to anxiety, ADHD, depression, poor sleep, or a combination of factors. That's why treatment begins with understanding the full picture—not simply matching a symptom to a diagnosis. At Fortitude, we take the time to understand your symptoms, history, current medications, health factors, and everyday experiences to help clarify what may be contributing to how you feel.
Treatment Options for Anxiety
Treatment is personalized based on your symptoms, preferences, medical history, previous treatment experiences, and individual goals. Your care plan may include one or more of the following:
Medication Management
- When appropriate, medication may be considered to help reduce anxiety symptoms. Recommendations are individualized, and the potential benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives are discussed as part of shared decision-making.
Supportive & Practical Strategies
- Care may include education about anxiety, identifying patterns or triggers, and discussing practical strategies related to sleep, stress management, daily routines, and overall well-being.
Collaborative Care
- When helpful, psychiatric care can complement therapy or care from other healthcare professionals. With your permission, coordination with therapists, primary care providers, or other members of your care team may be considered.
You Don't Have to Wait Until Anxiety Feels Unmanageable
You don’t need to be in crisis to seek support. If persistent worry, racing thoughts, physical tension, panic symptoms, or difficulty sleeping are affecting your daily life, relationships, work, or overall well-being, it may be a good time to reach out.
A psychiatric evaluation can help bring clarity to what you’re experiencing and identify thoughtful, personalized treatment options that fit your individual needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Treatment
How do I know if my anxiety is severe enough to seek treatment?
You don’t need to wait until anxiety becomes overwhelming or reaches a crisis point. If worry, tension, panic symptoms, sleep difficulties, or feeling constantly on edge are interfering with your daily life or well-being, an evaluation may help clarify what you’re experiencing and what options may be available.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Anxiety can be associated with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, muscle tension, headaches, stomach discomfort, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Because physical symptoms can also have medical causes, appropriate medical evaluation may sometimes be recommended.
Can anxiety and ADHD occur together?
Yes. Anxiety and ADHD can occur together, and some symptoms—such as difficulty concentrating, restlessness, feeling overwhelmed, and sleep difficulties—may overlap. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify how different symptoms may be contributing to your experience.
Do I have to take medication for anxiety?
No. Treatment decisions are individualized and collaborative. Medication may be one option when appropriate, but recommendations depend on your symptoms, preferences, medical history, previous treatment experiences, and goals.
Do you provide online anxiety treatment throughout California?
Yes. Fortitude Mental Health Group provides secure telehealth psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults located throughout California.
You Don't Have to Navigate this Alone
Taking the first step toward care can feel difficult. I’m here to make that process feel comfortable, supportive, and judgment-free—with thoughtful care centered around you.