Treatments & Services

Anxiety Disorders

Expert anxiety disorder treatment in Westborough, MA. Serving Boston, Worcester & surrounding areas with personalized mental health care.

Anxiety Treatment Program

At Pine Haven Behavioral Health, we specialize in treating anxiety disorders with compassionate, evidence-based care in Westborough, MA — proudly serving clients from Boston to Worcester and nearby communities.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes persistent, overwhelming, or out of proportion to the situation, it can interfere with daily life. It’s more than just worry—it can affect how you think, feel, and even how your body functions. For some, anxiety is occasional and manageable, while for others, it can develop into a chronic condition that impacts relationships, work, and overall well-being. Understanding anxiety, its symptoms, and how to manage it is essential for regaining a sense of balance and control.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or nervousness that everyone experiences at some point. It’s a natural response to stress or uncertainty—like before a big test, a job interview, or an important decision. But when anxiety becomes constant, overwhelming, or out of proportion to the situation, it can interfere with daily life.

For some people, anxiety goes beyond occasional stress and turns into a disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes excessive worry about everyday things. Panic disorder brings sudden, intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks. Social anxiety makes social interactions feel unbearable. Phobias create an extreme fear of specific things, like heights or flying.

Anxiety can also show up physically—racing heart, tight chest, dizziness, trouble sleeping. It’s more than just being in your head; it affects the whole body. While it’s different for everyone, therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication can help manage it.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can affect both the mind and body, showing up in different ways for different people. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t catch your breath
  • Sweating, trembling, or shaking
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    Stomach problems, nausea, or digestive issues
  • Muscle tension or aches
  • Fatigue or feeling physically drained
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Mental & Emotional Symptoms:

  • Persistent worry or overthinking
  • Feeling on edge, restless, or unable to relax
  • Racing thoughts that won’t slow down
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • A sense or feeling like something bad will happen

Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
  • Difficulty making decisions due to fear or worry
  • Seeking constant reassurance from others
  • Engaging in repetitive behaviors to ease anxiety

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders come in different forms, each with its own unique symptoms and challenges. Below are the most common types:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things—work, health, relationships, finances—often without a clear reason. People with GAD may feel restless, tense, fatigued, and struggle with concentration or sleep.

Panic Disorder: This disorder is marked by panic attacks—sudden, intense episodes of fear that come out of nowhere. These attacks can cause physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of losing control. Many people with panic disorder fear having another attack, which can lead to avoidance behaviors.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Social anxiety is an intense fear of social situations, often tied to worry about judgment, embarrassment, or saying the wrong thing. It can make everyday interactions—like speaking in meetings, making phone calls, or attending events—feel overwhelming.

Phobias: A phobia is an extreme fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is out of proportion to the actual danger. Some common phobias include:

Each of these disorders can impact daily life, but with the right treatment—therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes—many people learn to manage their symptoms effectively.

When Should You Seek Treatment for Anxiety?

Seeking treatment for anxiety is essential when the symptoms significantly interfere with your daily life, well-being, or overall functioning. While it’s normal to experience occasional anxiety in response to stress or life challenges, chronic or severe anxiety that persists and becomes overwhelming should be addressed as early as possible. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can begin your path to recovery.

Anxiety disorders can affect every part of daily life — from work and relationships to physical health and overall well-being. At Pine Haven Behavioral Health, our experienced clinicians provide individualized treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and related conditions. Using proven therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness strategies, and medication management when needed, we help clients regain control and reduce the impact of anxiety.

Located in Westborough, our practice welcomes individuals from across Massachusetts, including Boston, Worcester, and surrounding areas. We offer both in-person and virtual therapy options, making it easier for clients to access the care they need in a setting that fits their lifestyle. Our goal is to help you build lasting coping skills and restore a sense of calm, confidence, and balance.

At Pine Haven, we believe everyone deserves compassionate support on their journey to better mental health. Our team provides comprehensive assessments, personalized treatment, and a welcoming environment where healing begins.

How Anxiety Affects the Mind and Body

Anxiety isn’t just a mental experience—it has real, physical effects on the body. When the brain perceives a threat, it activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While this reaction is helpful in dangerous situations, chronic anxiety keeps the body stuck in a heightened state of stress, leading to both mental and physical symptoms.

Effects on the Mind

  • Constant worry: Racing thoughts, overanalyzing situations, and imagining worst-case scenarios.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Anxiety can make it hard to focus or retain information.
  • Irritability: Feeling on edge, short-tempered, or easily frustrated.
  • Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted, repetitive thoughts that are difficult to control.
  • Memory Problems: Anxiety can interfere with short-term memory and decision-making.

Effects on the Body

  • Increased heart rate & palpitations: The body prepares to “fight” or “flee,” causing a racing heart.
  • Shortness of breath: Hyperventilation or shallow breathing can make it feel like you’re not getting enough air.
  • Muscle Tension: Persistent stress can lead to tightness, aches, and headaches.
  • Digestive issues: Anxiety can trigger stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Dizziness & lightheadedness: Blood pressure fluctuations and hyperventilation can cause dizziness.
  • Sleep problems: Racing thoughts and physical discomfort make it hard to fall or stay asleep.
  • Fatigue: The constant state of alertness drains energy, leading to exhaustion.
If left unmanaged, long-term anxiety can contribute to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune function, and chronic pain. It can also increase the risk of depression and other mental health conditions.

Payment for Care

Pine Haven works with and accepts many insurance plans. Coverage depend on your specific policy and the length of the program. We are committed to making treatment accessible and will guide you through the financial process to ensure you fully understand all available options before starting care.

Insurance

Check if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment.


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We are here to provide compassionate and effective mental health treatment for all. For more information, contact us to speak with one of our caring professionals. Ready to take control of your anxiety? Contact Pine Haven Behavioral Health today — proudly serving Westborough, Boston, Worcester, and surrounding Massachusetts areas.