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Anxiety is a state of persistent and excessive worry, fear, or apprehension that feels difficult to control and can interfere with daily life. Unlike everyday stress or nervousness, anxiety tends to be more intense, lasts longer, and often affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions across different areas of life.

Panic refers to sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that arise abruptly and peak within minutes. These experiences, commonly called panic attacks, can feel overwhelming and may include strong physical sensations such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, or a sense of losing control. Panic attacks can occur on their own or as part of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety can present in many forms, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, or specific fears. During periods of heightened anxiety, a person may experience:

• Persistent worry or fear that feels hard to switch off
• Feeling on edge, restless, or constantly alert
• Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, stomach discomfort, headaches, or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, irritability, or disrupted sleep

Anxiety and panic can lead to avoidance of certain situations or sensations, reduced confidence, strained relationships, and challenges at work or in daily responsibilities. Anxiety disorders are more frequently diagnosed in women, reflecting a combination of biological, psychological, and social influences.

Treatment and Support: 

There are effective treatments for mild, moderate, and severe anxiety and panic. We offer psychological therapies that help you understand the patterns that maintain anxiety, including the body’s alarm response, and support you in developing new ways of relating to fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress.

For some individuals, particularly when symptoms are severe or significantly impairing, psychological therapy may be combined with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or panic, seeking support early is important. Treatment can significantly reduce distress and improve overall quality of life. 

Support is available at Ontario Psychotherapy Center, where care is tailored to your individual needs.

You can schedule an initial session to explore what approach to treatment may be most helpful for you. Following an assessment, we can also advise whether a referral to a psychiatrist for medication support would be appropriate.