stress v. anxiety
Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Stress is the body’s response to a real, immediate threat—like encountering a bear while camping. It triggers emotional and physical reactions aimed at protecting you.
Anxiety, on the other hand, occurs without an obvious cause. For example, worrying about a possible bear encounter—even when it’s unlikely—can create emotional and physical symptoms. Anxiety is rooted in concern about potential threats rather than immediate danger.
If you or a loved one are experiencing chronic stress or persistent anxiety, our clinicians at Vantage Point can provide support and evidence-based treatment.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition marked by persistent worry, fear, or physical symptoms that can be hard to control. People with anxiety disorders may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety, which can lead to isolation or difficulties in daily life.
Anxiety can affect relationships, work, or school, causing significant challenges. Our therapists at Vantage Point can help you manage your worries and regain balance in your life.
Typical symptoms/thought patterns associated with Anxiety:
symptoms
Constantly feeling preoccupied with concerns, often overthinking situations or potential problems, even when they may be unlikely to happen.
Experiencing intense fears that feel overwhelming or out of proportion to the actual danger, making everyday activities feel threatening.
Being tense, jumpy, or easily startled, often accompanied by a sense of restlessness or difficulty relaxing.
Struggling to focus, stay organized, or keep your mind on tasks due to persistent anxious thoughts or racing worries.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
symptoms
Feeling unable to relax or stay still, often accompanied by a constant urge to move, fidget, or pace.
Experiencing tightness, stiffness, or discomfort in muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, or back, as your body stays on high alert.
Struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested due to racing thoughts or physical tension.
Noticing your heart beating faster or harder than usual, often during anxious moments, which can feel alarming or uncomfortable.
Looking for tools to help manage anxiety between therapy sessions? Here are some apps, podcasts, and books that can support your journey, teach coping strategies, and provide guidance for managing worry, stress, and panic.
A free app for teens and adults that uses evidence-based strategies to reduce worry, stress, and panic, offering CBT tools, mindfulness exercises, and relaxation techniques.
Guided meditations and mindfulness exercises designed to bring calm, balance, and focus, also helpful for OCD treatment.
Podcasts for anyone coping with panic attacks, anxiety, or ADHD, providing practical tips and support throughout recovery.
A guide to overcoming anxiety, phobias, and worry using evidence-based mindfulness and acceptance techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of anxiety does Vantage Point treat?
We treat the full range of anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, specific phobias, health anxiety, and anxiety related to life transitions or trauma. Many of our clinicians also specialize in anxiety that co-occurs with OCD or eating disorders.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is typically a response to a real, identifiable external pressure — it often resolves when the situation changes. Anxiety persists even without an obvious cause and tends to involve worry about future or potential threats. If worry, fear, or physical symptoms are interfering with your daily life on an ongoing basis, that is a sign that anxiety treatment may help.
What therapy approaches are used for anxiety at Vantage Point?
Our therapists use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches — all of which have strong research support for anxiety disorders. Treatment is individualized to fit each client’s specific concerns and goals.
How do I know if my anxiety is severe enough for therapy?
If anxiety is affecting your work, relationships, sleep, or ability to do the things you want to do, it is worth reaching out. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many clients come to us with anxiety that feels manageable day-to-day but persistent — and they find significant relief through treatment.
Does Vantage Point accept insurance for anxiety treatment?
We currently work with clinicians who accept the following plans:
– Health Net
– Health Net Medi-Cal
– Anthem Blue Cross
– Anthem Medi-Cal
– Partnership Health
– Medicare
Insurance availability changes frequently, so we encourage you to inquire directly.
To check whether your insurance is accepted and to get started, please complete our Insurance Verification Form here!
Is anxiety therapy available in Spanish?
Yes. We have Spanish-speaking clinicians available for clients who prefer to receive therapy in Spanish.
Anxiety therapy in Sacramento CA – treatment for anxiety and stress disorders
Anxiety therapy in Sacramento CA – treatment for anxiety and stress disorders
