Five Myths About Anxiety: Myth #5—It’s Not Just You
Anxiety myths and facts WIth AN Anxiety counselor in Maryland
Feeling alone about anxiety? I promise, it’s not just you.
Feeling alone with your anxiety? I promise, it’s not just you. Effective anxiety therapy in Maryland is available, and you deserve support.
We’ve made it to the final installment in this Five Myths About Anxiety series! As a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders in College Park, Maryland, I am always hoping that more and more people are getting the message that anxiety disorders are very common and respond well to treatment. But not everyone has gotten the word on that yet, so, one more time, louder, for all the people in the back.
This Is Post #5 in the Five Myths About Anxiety Series
Missed the earlier posts? Catch up here:
Myth #1: What Anxiety Looks Like
Myth #2: Avoidance
Myth #3: Reassurance
Myth #4: “Clean Living” Will Fix It
Myth #5: It’s Just Me (You’re here!)
Each post in this series is written to help people in Maryland (and beyond) understand what anxiety really is, and what actually helps.
Myth 5: Anxiety means there’s something uniquely wrong with me.
Before we get into all the fancy stats and facts: Just no. Anxiety does not mean there is something uniquely wrong with you. You are marvelously you. Anxiety is something you are dealing with, not who you are. And many, many people deal with anxiety. You are most definitely not alone in that boat.
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”—Chief Brody in “Jaws”
I promise that there are many other people in the same anxiety boat.
Anxiety disorders are incredibly common. In fact, they are the most common mental illnesses in the United States. The National Institute of Mental Health reported in the early 200o’s that 19.1% of adults in the United States had an anxiety disorder in the past year and that 31.1% of adults would experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. And that was an entire pandemic ago!
Cases of anxiety and depression have risen dramatically since 2020. We don’t have perfectly current data on every demographic, but the research consistently points in one direction: anxiety is more prevalent than ever. That means if you’re sitting with anxiety right now, you are in the company of millions of people in the United States alone. It is absolutely not just you.
Here in Maryland, that same reality holds true. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of a demanding career in the DC corridor, the stress of university life near College Park, or the quiet weight of anxiety that doesn’t always have a clear “reason”, you are far from alone.
But Why Me?
There’s not a quick and easy answer to this one. Anxiety disorders can develop from a complex set of factors, things largely outside our own control, like genetics, brain biology, and exposure to traumatic life events, plus environmental and psychological factors.
As an anxiety therapist in College Park, Maryland, I often see anxiety emerge or intensify during major life transitions. Starting college at the University of Maryland. Navigating a career change in midlife. A relationship ending, a move, a loss. These transitions don’t cause anxiety disorders on their own, but they can absolutely bring underlying anxiety to the surface in a way that makes it hard to ignore.
Anxiety can also look different depending on who you are and what your life has been like. It’s not all panic attacks and biting fingernails. People from communities that have faced discrimination, marginalization, or systemic stress carry real, legitimate additional burdens that can fuel anxiety. If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety “doesn’t count” because you don’t have a dramatic reason for it, please hear this: anxiety doesn’t require a permission slip. It can arise in anyone, for a whole range of reasons, and it is always worthy of care.
The great news is that treatment for anxiety can be very effective. You don’t actually need to pinpoint The Answer to why you’ve got anxiety in order to make progress in the here and now, to address it and create a different future for yourself.
Anxiety treatment In MARYLAND—not one size fits all
Reach out for support. Effective treatment for anxiety is available.
Some people worry about what anxiety treatment means: Will I have to take medication? What kind of treatment is right for me? There’s a whole alphabet soup of treatment modalities out there: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT (acceptance & commitment therapy), MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), and on and on… How do you know what to pick?
Well, first things first. If you have been struggling with anxiety and are thinking about treatment, it’s not a bad idea to start with a conversation with your primary care physician. There are a number of medications and medical conditions that can cause or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. It can save a good deal of time to clear those decks first. After that, an intake with a mental health professional can provide some recommendations about options for moving forward.
As for all of those treatment modalities: they all have solid research behind them for treating anxiety. But one of the biggest factors in treatment efficacy overall is the fit between the client and the therapist. Is there a sense of respect and trust? Do you agree on the goals of treatment? Therapy is such an intensely personal process that you want to feel good about who is on your team for this journey.
It can be hard to pick up on whether someone is a good fit just from information on a website, so it can be helpful to ask for a brief phone call before making an appointment. Most therapists offer this, and it’s a low-pressure way to see if the connection feels right.
what anxiety therapy with me looks like
In my College Park, Maryland practice, I work with clients on anxiety using an integrated approach that may draw from CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, and even hypnotherapy, depending on what fits you best. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model, because people aren’t one-size-fits-all.
I see clients in person in College Park, MD and also offer telehealth throughout Maryland for those who prefer the convenience of online therapy. If you’re in Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Silver Spring, Rockville, Baltimore, or anywhere else in Maryland, online anxiety therapy is a fully effective option.
Our first step is always a consultation call so you can get a feel for whether we’re a good fit. No pressure, no commitment required.
frequently asked questions about anxiety therapy in maryland
How do I know if I need an anxiety therapist in Maryland?
If anxiety is interfering with your daily life (your work, relationships, sleep, or simply your ability to enjoy things) that’s a good sign that support could help. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. Many people benefit from therapy well before things feel unmanageable.
What’s the difference between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder?
Everyone worries sometimes. An anxiety disorder is characterized by worry or fear that is excessive, persistent, and difficult to control, and that gets in the way of your life. If you’re not sure where you fall, a conversation with a mental health professional can help clarify that.
Does anxiety therapy actually work?
Yes! Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. Research consistently shows that therapy (particularly approaches like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies) produces meaningful, lasting improvement for most people. Many clients see significant progress with consistent work.
How do I find a therapist in College Park, Maryland?
You can search directories like Psychology Today or Therapy Den, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or reach out directly to therapists whose specialties match what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for an anxiety specialist in College Park, I’d be happy to connect. You can find my contact information below.
Can I do anxiety therapy online in Maryland?
Absolutely. I offer telehealth anxiety therapy to clients throughout Maryland. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for anxiety, and many clients find the flexibility and privacy of telehealth actually makes it easier to commit to their work. All you need is a private space and a reliable internet connection.
Do I have to know why I’m anxious before starting therapy?
Not at all. One of the most common misconceptions about anxiety therapy is that you need to have everything figured out first (because, ironically, anxiety is always telling you have to have everything figured out). You don’t. Part of the work we do together is making sense of what’s going on for you. You just need to show up.
Anxiety therapy Maryland: You don’t have to do this alone
I hope this series about Five Myths About Anxiety has been helpful to you. The through-line in all five posts is the same: anxiety is common, it makes sense, and it responds to treatment. Whether you’re dealing with panic, constant worry, social anxiety, or a persistent undercurrent of dread you can’t quite name, support is available.
If you’re in College Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, or anywhere in the greater Maryland area and you’re struggling with anxiety, I’d love to connect. Working with an anxiety counselor in Maryland who truly specializes in anxiety disorders, rather than a generalist, can make a real difference.
You can read more about how I work with people on my anxiety treatment Maryland page, or reach out directly below. I offer a free consultation call so we can get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.
Other services I offer include hypnotherapy, mindfulness-based therapy, life coaching, and support for LGBTQIA+ clients. Additional information is available on my home page.
About the author:
Beth Charbonneau, LCSW-C, is a Maryland therapist, specializing in anxiety therapy and treatment. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a holistic approach to calming the mind and body, and encourages her clients to feel empowered to find more joy in life. More information about her practice can be found on her website.
