Anxiety

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An anxiety disorder is when you have a long period of worry or fear that doesn’t go away. Ongoing anxiety can get in the way of daily activities such as work or school, or even relationships.

Risk factors

Risk factors for each type of anxiety disorder vary. Some general risk factors include:

Shyness or feeling distressed or nervous in new situations
Exposure to stressful and negative events
A family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders

These things can cause or worsen anxiety:

Some physical health conditions, like thyroid problems or heart arrhythmia
Caffeine
Smoking

Generalized anxiety disorder

GAD usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread; this can interfere with daily life.

Panic disorder

People with panic disorders may have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These sudden moments of intense fear can happen even when there is no clear danger. People with this disorder often worry about when the next attack will happen. They stay away from places, situations, or actions to try to avoid a future incident.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is an intense, ongoing fear of being watched or judged. For some people, this fear may get in the way of going to work, school, or doing everyday things.

Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a fear of being away from close family or friends. They worry that something bad might happen to their loved ones while they’re not together.

Phobia-related disorders

A phobia is an intense fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations. People with phobias have intense fear of a situation that may appear out of proportion to the actual danger. Some phobias include flying, heights, getting injections, or the sight of blood.

Tests and diagnosis

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, your provider can do an evaluation. This may include an interview and physical exam. They may order a blood test to ensure anxiety isn’t due to an underlying medical condition.

Managing anxiety

There are many ways to treat anxiety. They are generally cared for with psychotherapy, medication, or both. You can work with a provider to choose the best treatment.

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy”
Take medications, if prescribed
Use complementary health approaches

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. The effects begin soon after you stop smoking, though they are impacted by how long you have been a smoker before quitting.

The effects of quitting smoking include:

Reduced heart rate
Improved blood flow to your heart
Lower risk of heart attack
Lower risk of coronary heart disease

TRICARE East offers a free program called Commit to Quit, which provides free tobacco and vaping cassation support. You can reach a nicotine cessation specialist at 877-414-9949 or visit Commit to Quit | TRICARE for more information.

TRICARE coverage

To see what TRICARE covers, visit Mental Health | TRICARE.

Support and webinars

Anxiety management is part of our disease management program for eligible adults. We help TRICARE East beneficiaries improve their health through a whole-person care approach. If you want to set health goals and improve your overall well-being, our skilled staff is ready to help you. You or your doctor can call us with questions or to join the program at 800-881-9227.