Anxiety Disorders

Feeling anxious from time to time is normal. But when worry starts taking over your thoughts, your sleep, your work or your relationships, it may be more than everyday stress.

At Willowbrooke at Tanner, we help people in west Georgia find real relief from anxiety disorders — with compassionate care, evidence-based treatment and support that meets you where you are.

Whether your symptoms are mild or overwhelming, you are not alone. And you do not have to manage it by yourself.

What is an anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes excessive fear, worry or nervousness that does not go away — even when there is no immediate threat.

Anxiety disorders can affect how you think, feel and function day to day. They may also cause physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath or stomach problems.

The good news: Anxiety disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible.

Common symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety looks different for everyone, but common symptoms include:

Difficulty concentrating
Excessive worry that feels hard to control
Fatigue or irritability
Feeling restless, tense or on edge
Muscle tension
Nausea or upset stomach

Panic attacks
Racing thoughts
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Trouble sleeping

If anxiety is interfering with your life, it may be time to seek help.

The five most common anxiety disorders

Below are five of the most common anxiety disorders we treat at Willowbrooke at Tanner.

1. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder causes ongoing worry that feels constant or overwhelming — even when nothing specific is wrong.

People with GAD may worry about health, finances, family, work or everyday responsibilities. The worry may feel impossible to shut off.

Common symptoms include:

Difficulty focusing
Feeling mentally stuck in worst-case scenarios
Irritability

Muscle tension
Persistent worry
Trouble sleeping

2. Panic disorder

Panic disorder is marked by repeated panic attacks — sudden episodes of intense fear that come on quickly and can feel frightening or even life-threatening.

Some people begin avoiding places or situations where panic attacks have happened before.

Common symptoms include:

Chest tightness
Dizziness or shaking
Fear of dying or passing out
Feeling like you are losing control

Racing heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Sweating

Panic attacks are treatable, and you can learn how to manage and prevent them.

3. Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder causes intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected in social situations. This is more than being shy — it can interfere with daily life and relationships.

Common symptoms include:

Avoiding social events
Blushing, sweating or shaking in public
Difficulty making eye contact or speaking

Fear of being watched or judged
Nausea before social interactions

With treatment, social confidence can improve and relationships can feel easier again.

4. Specific phobias

A specific phobia is an intense fear of a particular object or situation. Common examples include fear of flying, heights, needles, spiders or enclosed spaces.

Common symptoms include:

Avoiding triggers at all costs
Immediate anxiety when exposed to the feared situation

Panic symptoms such as sweating, shaking or rapid heartbeat
Feeling overwhelmed even thinking about the trigger

Phobias respond well to therapy, especially gradual exposure treatment.

5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety-related condition involving unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to relieve distress.

Common symptoms include:

Compulsive checking, cleaning or counting
Fear of contamination or harm
Feeling unable to stop certain routines or rituals

Needing things to feel just right
Repeated intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety

Treatment can reduce symptoms and help you regain control.

What causes anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders usually develop from a mix of factors, including:

Brain chemistry
Chronic stress
Genetics and family history
Lack of sleep or ongoing burnout
Major life changes
Medical conditions
Substance use or withdrawal
Trauma or adverse life experiences

Anxiety is not a personal weakness. It is a real health condition — and it deserves real care.

Anxiety disorder treatment options

At Willowbrooke at Tanner, we take a personalized approach to anxiety treatment. Your care plan may include:

Therapy

Talk therapy can help you identify patterns, understand triggers and build healthier coping tools. Approaches may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Exposure therapy
Group therapy
Trauma-informed counseling

Medication management

Medication may help reduce anxiety symptoms, especially when combined with therapy. Our psychiatric providers will help determine whether medication is appropriate for you.

Lifestyle and coping support

Treatment often includes support for daily habits that affect anxiety, such as:

Healthy boundaries
Mindfulness and relaxation strategies
Sleep routines
Stress management
Supportive structure and accountability

Inpatient and outpatient treatment

Some people need more intensive support, especially if anxiety is severe or combined with depression, substance use or suicidal thoughts. We offer a full range of behavioral health services, including inpatient care and outpatient programs.

When should you seek help for anxiety?

You may benefit from professional support if:

Your anxiety feels constant or out of control
You avoid situations because of fear
You experience panic attacks

Your sleep is disrupted regularly
Your anxiety affects work, school or relationships
You feel overwhelmed, hopeless or emotionally exhausted

If you are struggling, you are not alone — and help is available.

Why choose Willowbrooke at Tanner?

At Willowbrooke at Tanner, we understand how exhausting anxiety can be — physically and emotionally. Our team provides expert care in a safe, supportive environment.

When you come to Willowbrooke, you can expect:

A focus on long-term healing and stability
Compassionate mental health professionals
Coordinated care for co-occurring conditions
Evidence-based therapy and psychiatric support
Personalized treatment plans

We are here to help you feel like yourself again.

Establish care for anxiety treatment

New patients: Looking to establish routine mental health care for anxiety? Taking the first step toward better mental health starts here.

To ensure you receive the highest level of expert, personalized care, all new patients begin with an in-person assessment at Willowbrooke Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use in Villa Rica.

No appointment is necessary — simply walk in to get started. Whether your concern feels urgent or you are ready to talk with someone about ongoing anxiety symptoms, Willowbrooke Urgent Care is your starting point for care.

Willowbrooke Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use
20 Herrell Road, Suite 1, Villa Rica, GA 30180

For information about anxiety treatment or any of our services, call 770-812-3266.

Following your initial assessment, ongoing services may be scheduled in Villa Rica, Carrollton or via telehealth.

Existing patients: Call 770-812-3530.