You May Be Dealing with Anxiety
- Dizziness, decreased sex drive, irritability
- Increased muscle tension
- Chest pain, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling around other people
Psychological Effects of Anxiety Disorders
- Poor concentration or memory
- Fear that something terrible is about to happen
- Feelings of being cut off from reality
- Feelings that others are talking about you or judging you
- Feeling very self-conscious in front of other people and worried about feeling humiliated, embarrassed, rejected, or fearful of offending others
Causes and Risk Factors
Mental illness is not your fault.
An estimated 40 million adults in the U.S. (18%) have an anxiety disorder making it the most common mental health condition in the United States. Additionally, 8% of children and teenagers experience this condition, and most people develop symptoms before age 21.Research is finding that the frequent interaction of both genetic and environmental factors contribute to anxiety disorders including shyness in childhood, being female, exposure to stressful life events, and anxiety disorders in close biological relatives – to name a few.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health condition like anxiety, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The Center for Health Care Services can help. Our Adult Behavioral Health Division offers the following comprehensive services:
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Medical follow-ups and management
- Wellness counseling, education and therapy
- Integrated and primary care
- Individual and group therapy
- Psychosocial rehabilitation
- Case management
- Crisis services
- And other services to support each person’s goals for recovery
In the event of a mental health crisis including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call the 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline at 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). Please call 911 if harm to self or harm to others is imminent.
The CHCS team helps people find hope, determine their path to wellness, and discover their way to an independent, productive life. For more information, or to begin receiving services, please contact our Outpatient Clinic Mental Health Eligibility and Intake.
Create Your Calm
Alternative Approaches to Mental Health and Wellness
Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques:
In general, relaxation techniques involve refocusing your attention to something calming and increasing awareness of your body. To reap the benefits of deep breathing, focus on taking deep breaths in and out through your mouth, feeling the air slowly fill your chest and belly and then slowly leave them again. The hand on the chest should stay still, while the one over your diaphragm should rise with your breath. This is how you know the breath is deep enough. Breathe in for a count of five, and slowly release the breath through your nose at the same rate. Continue deep breathing until you feel relaxed.
Be Open to the Present and Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness can help ground you in the reality of what’s around you. Since panic attacks can cause a feeling of detachment or separation from reality, mindfulness works to combat your panic attack before or as it is actually happening. Additional benefits include mental well-being, stress reduction, and increased calmness, clarity and concentration – to name a few.
Reduce Stress by Indulging in Relaxing Activities.
For example, music and art therapy, journaling, reading or taking to a crossword puzzle.
Light Exercise:
Walking, yoga and stretching creates movement, changes the way we breathe and can provide sensory distraction helping to reduce the amount a person thinks about symptoms. Aerobic exercise can help treat mild depression as it increases endorphins and stimulates norepinephrine – improving a person’s mood.
Mood and Food:
Important nutrients found in food can affect brain chemistry, impact moods and improve memory and cognitive function. By maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, and avoiding processed foods, you’re more likely to feel calmer, more content and generally in a better mood. Foods that adversely impact mood include caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, sugary snacks, refined carbs and fried food. Foods that can boost moods include omega-3s, nuts, avocados, flaxseed, beans, leafy greens and fresh fruit.
Additional Alternative Approaches:
Include massage, acupuncture, meditation, faith, aromatherapy or hydrotherapy to create your calm.
Knowledge is Power! Learn more about mental health:
Have you seen your doctor lately?
Did you know that your case worker can help you get it scheduled?
Your caseworker wants to see how you’re doing.
Call to schedule an appointment today!
Have you had your annual mammogram?
Your case worker can help you get it scheduled?
Have you taken your medication today?
Taking your medicine as prescribed means taking the right dose at the right time.
A New Option in Behavioral Health Care
CenterCare Health and Wellness prides itself on offering easily accessible and affordable, first-rate, behavioral health care in a comfortable and convenient location. Additionally, CenterCare clients will have an opportunity to bypass the long wait times typically associated with psychiatric services, and see a provider within a few days of scheduling an appointment.
Patient Perks
Being a VIP has its Perks!
At The Center for Health Care Services, YOU are a VIP – Very Important Patient! And to help make your Patient Experience even better, we have developed numerous Patient Perks to get you on the fast track to where you want to be.
As our VIP, you can now take full advantage of these Patient Perks.