IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS IN ST. PETERSBURG & VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
Generalized Anxiety
What is GAD?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things, such as health, work, family, or finances. This worry is often out of proportion to the actual situation, is difficult to control, and interferes with daily life.
Common symptoms include:
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Restlessness or feeling "on edge"
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Being easily fatigued
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Difficulty concentrating or mind "going blank"
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Irritability
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Muscle tension
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Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless sleep)
Medication Management
Medication can help reduce the baseline level of anxiety.
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SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): These are often considered first-line medications and are typically taken daily to manage chronic worry.
Non-Pharmacological Strategies
Therapy provides long-term skills to manage anxious thoughts.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach is highly effective for GAD. It helps you identify, challenge, and change the anxious thought patterns and beliefs that fuel the worry.
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Lifestyle Changes: Strategies involving mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and sleep hygiene can also be explored to help manage anxiety.
Our Approach: Your Partner in Your Mental Wellness Journey
As a PMHNP-BC, my practice is built on a foundation of respect and collaboration.
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Shared Decision-Making: You are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide the expert knowledge on diagnoses and treatments. Together, we will review all the options—medication, therapy, lifestyle changes—and decide on a path forward that feels right for you.
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Medication as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Medication can be an incredibly effective tool to "turn down the volume" on your symptoms, allowing you to engage more fully in therapy and daily life. My goal is always to find the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
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A Holistic View: My focus is not only on pills. We may also discuss sleep, nutrition, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques. These non-pharmacological strategies can be essential for long-term, sustainable wellness.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don't have to manage your symptoms alone. If you're ready to explore a comprehensive, collaborative approach to mental wellness, I invite you to schedule online below.
