By Dr. Maria A. Staropoli-Hafner, Psy.D., licensed psychologist specializing in anxiety, OCD, and high-functioning adults
Do you often feel restless, agitated, or overwhelmed with worries and thoughts of what might go wrong? Anxiety can interfere with your ability to succeed at work or in school, sabotage family life, challenge romantic relationships, and make for difficult interpersonal interactions.
Key points
- Different people experience anxiety in different ways
- Anxiety tends to respond well to treatment
- You can learn to recognize the symptoms of anxiety
- Choose an effective treatment path for anxiety
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Could anxiety be affecting your life?
Anxiety doesn’t always show up as constant panic or obvious fear. For many people, it looks like ongoing tension, overthinking, self-doubt, or a sense of unease that’s hard to explain. You might find yourself replaying conversations, worrying about making mistakes, feeling on edge in relationships, or struggling to relax even when things seem “fine.”
Anxiety can quietly interfere with daily life — affecting sleep, concentration, decision-making, and emotional connection with others. Over time, it can leave you feeling drained, disconnected, or unsure of yourself.
If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns, and it’s also highly treatable. With the right support, it’s possible to feel more grounded, confident, and at ease, rather than constantly bracing for what might go wrong.
Anxiety is common—and rising
Anxiety disorders are among the most frequently diagnosed mental health concerns. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 20% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder each year.
While anxiety was on the rise even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the disruptions of recent years have only intensified the issue. Researchers tracking emotional well-being during the pandemic reported record lows in national happiness levels, and while those numbers have slightly improved, they remain higher than pre-2020 levels and continue to trend upward.
Modern life contributes to this increase. Isolation, remote work, limited social engagement, less time outdoors, and constant digital stimulation can all raise stress levels. Many people turn to temporary coping mechanisms, like alcohol or avoidance, that may offer short-term relief but lead to long-term difficulty.
How anxiety becomes persistent
Anxiety is part of our body’s natural response to perceived danger. It can motivate us to take action or stay alert in uncertain situations. But when the source of stress doesn’t go away, or we don’t have the tools to manage it, our brain may remain in a heightened state of fear or hypervigilance.
Over time, this can lead to entrenched patterns of worry and discomfort. Even when the original trigger has passed, we may find ourselves stuck in cycles of anxiety that become difficult to break without help.
Common types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety shows up differently from person to person. Some of the most common anxiety-related conditions include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry, often accompanied by fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, or physical discomfort like headaches or stomachaches.
- Social Anxiety: Fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations, which can make it difficult to speak up, connect with others, or attend events.
- Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear or physical distress, including a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of losing control.
- Phobias: Intense, specific fears that may seem irrational but cause significant distress—such as fear of flying, heights, or small spaces.
What causes anxiety?
There isn’t a single cause for anxiety. It’s usually the result of a combination of factors. A family history of anxiety, early life stress or trauma, and ongoing challenges can all increase the risk. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders or heart irregularities, as well as high caffeine intake or substance use, can also contribute to anxiety symptoms.
Treatment options for anxiety
The good news: anxiety is highly treatable. With the right approach, most people see real improvements in how they feel, think, and function.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most well-researched treatments for anxiety, CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, and reduce anxiety.
- Exposure Therapy: A CBT-based method that helps clients gradually face feared situations while reducing avoidance behaviors in a safe, supported setting.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Combines mindfulness, values-based action, and self-acceptance to help reduce emotional suffering and build psychological flexibility.
- Medication: In some cases, medication can offer additional support, especially when paired with therapy. It may help regulate mood, reduce physical symptoms, and stabilize routines related to sleep, nutrition, and daily functioning.
Treatment is most effective when it’s personalized. Dr. Staropoli-Hafner collaborates with each client to create a plan that fits their unique needs and goals.
Get support for anxiety in Ridgewood, NJ
You don’t have to manage anxiety on your own. With professional guidance and the right tools, it’s possible to quiet the mental noise, feel more at ease, and reconnect with the life you want to live. Dr. Maria Staropoli-Hafner offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Reach out today to begin your journey toward calm, clarity, and lasting change.
More information
Anxiety Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
Henning, M., Subic-Wrana, C., Wiltink, J., & Beutel, M. (2020). Anxiety Disorders in Patients With Somatic Diseases. Psychosomatic Medicine.
Nelson, H., Cantor, A., Pappas, M., & Weeks, C. (2020). Screening for Anxiety in Adolescent and Adult Women. Annals of Internal Medicine.
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference
By Dr. Maria A. Staropoli-Hafner, Psy.D.
She earned her doctorate (Psy.D.) in School Psychology from Rutgers University and uses evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based techniques. Dr. Staropoli-Hafner is PSYPACT certified and has advanced training in the treatment of trichotillomania and skin-picking disorders.