Anxiety & Panic - Kelly V. Karjoo, PsyD, CMNCS, CIMHP

When you feel anxious, the world can feel unsafe, and even routine tasks may trigger intense apprehension. Common physical symptoms of anxiety include intense fear, persistent worry, racing thoughts, muscle tension, rapid pulse, sweating, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

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Anxiety can range from mild to severe, affecting your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. It’s a physiological and psychological response to stress, danger, or unfamiliar situations. When anxiety becomes chronic or excessive, it can drastically reduce your quality of life, causing pain, suffering, and isolation.

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We’ll work together to explore the roots of your anxiety—whether it's from past experiences, trauma, or learned behaviors. By understanding your triggers, we can develop healthier coping mechanisms that allow you to better manage your reactions to anxiety-provoking situations.

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Often, anxiety leads us to avoid situations we believe will provoke it, limiting our lives and isolating us. I help clients gradually increase their tolerance for anxiety-provoking scenarios, confront their fears, and build resilience using the skills developed in therapy.

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People with anxiety are also at an increased risk of experiencing panic attacks. These sudden surges of terror can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Many people believe they are having a heart attack, often ending up in the emergency room. However, once we explore the triggers and sensations, the root cause of the panic usually becomes clearer.