Mental health, plainly explained

The CHC Journal

Evidence-based articles, practical tools, and unhurried guidance from licensed therapists in Alpharetta — with companion podcast and video for every piece.

Filtered: Anxiety & Stress

13 articles

Clear filters

A mixed-race woman in her 20s standing at a kitchen sink, hands under running water, expression caught between concentration and worry, soft afternoon light through the window — editorial documentary photo about OCD and the daily impact of compulsions

Anxiety & Stress

OCD Is Not About Being Tidy: What It Actually Is

OCD is not a personality quirk about cleanliness. It is an anxiety disorder involving intrusive thoughts and compulsions — and ERP therapy is the evidence-based treatment.

May 11, 202611 min read

A Black woman in her 30s sits on a couch by a sunlit window holding a coffee mug, looking thoughtfully outward — editorial documentary photo about generalized anxiety disorder and quiet daily worry

Anxiety & Stress

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms include persistent worry, muscle tension, fatigue, sleep issues, and difficulty concentrating. Learn what GAD really is and how therapy treats it.

May 9, 20269 min read

A multiracial group of three colleagues in their 30s — a Latina woman, an Asian man, a white woman — sit around a small office table mid-afternoon, two looking at laptops with weary expressions and a third staring at her coffee, late sun coming through the blinds — editorial documentary photo about workplace burnout in adults

Anxiety & Stress

5 Signs You're Not Tired — You're Burned Out

Burnout vs a bad week: five honest signs that what you're feeling is high-functioning burnout, not a rough patch — plus what to do when three or more land for you.

May 5, 20269 min read

A Black woman in her late 30s sits at a sunlit kitchen table with a half-finished cup of coffee and an open laptop, looking past the screen with a tired, distant expression — editorial documentary photo about high-functioning burnout in working adults

Anxiety & Stress

High-Functioning Burnout: The Kind That Hides in Plain Sight

High-functioning burnout looks like productivity from the outside. Here's how to spot the over-functioning kind in yourself, why it hides, and what therapy can do.

May 5, 20269 min read

A diverse adult — a Latina woman in her late 30s — sits at a sunlit kitchen table surrounded by sticky notes and an open laptop, head in hands, trying to refocus, editorial documentary photo about ADHD vs anxiety vs burnout in everyday adult life

Anxiety & Stress

ADHD vs Anxiety vs Burnout: Why Your Focus Is Falling Apart

ADHD vs anxiety vs burnout look alike but need different care. Learn how a Georgia therapist tells them apart — and why a real evaluation beats a TikTok quiz.

May 3, 202610 min read

A Black woman in her early thirties sits at a sunlit kitchen table with a half-finished cup of coffee and an open laptop, gazing softly out the window with a thoughtful expression — editorial documentary photo about why I can't focus and the quiet question of ADHD, anxiety, or life overload

Anxiety & Stress

Why Can't I Focus? ADHD, Anxiety, or Just Life

Why can't I focus? It's the top mental health search in America. Here's how ADHD, anxiety, and life overload differ — and when to seek a real evaluation.

May 3, 202610 min read

Peaceful winter scene representing strategies for managing holiday stress and family conflict

Anxiety & Stress

The Holiday Season Is Hard. Here's How to Get Through It.

Nobody puts this on a Christmas card: the holidays are one of the most reliably stressful periods of the year. The American Psychological Association has consistently found that over 38% of people report their stress levels increase during the holidays. That is not a personal failing. It is a predictable response to a specific set of conditions converging all at once.

Mar 10, 20267 min read

Organized workspace representing ADHD management strategies and therapy support in Alpharetta

Anxiety & Stress

ADHD Support in Alpharetta: Therapy, Coaching, and Strategies That Help

A professional in their mid-30s — sharp, creative, successful by most measures — comes in describing a life held together with duct tape and willpower. They've spent decades believing they just need to try harder. Then someone mentions ADHD. The most common reaction, once the initial skepticism clears, is relief.

Mar 1, 202619 min read

Peaceful nature scene representing relief from anxiety through therapy in Alpharetta GA

Anxiety & Stress

Anxiety Therapy in Alpharetta, GA: A Complete Guide to Finding Help

Worry is supposed to protect you. It evolved to keep humans alert to real danger. But for about 40 million adults in the United States, that alarm system gets stuck in the on position, firing long after the threat has passed. Or firing when there was never a real threat at all. That's anxiety. Not weakness. Not overthinking. A dysregulated nervous system that deserves treatment, not willpower.

Mar 1, 202615 min read

Person dealing with anxiety - understanding mental health

Anxiety & Stress

Understanding Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and available treatment options is the first step toward managing anxiety effectively and reclaiming your quality of life.

Dec 20, 20248 min read

Understanding the difference between anxiety and panic attacks

Anxiety & Stress

Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack: Understanding the Differences

The terms 'anxiety attack' and 'panic attack' are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct experiences with different characteristics. Understanding the differences can help you identify what you are experiencing and seek appropriate treatment.

Sep 25, 20246 min read

Person using calming techniques to manage anxiety

Anxiety & Stress

How to Calm Anxiety Quickly: 10 Evidence-Based Techniques

When anxiety strikes, having a toolkit of evidence-based techniques can make all the difference. These proven strategies can help you calm your nervous system quickly and regain a sense of control in moments of distress.

Sep 22, 20246 min read

Person experiencing social anxiety in a group setting

Anxiety & Stress

Social Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment

Social anxiety disorder goes far beyond shyness. It is an intense, persistent fear of being watched, judged, or embarrassed in social situations that can significantly limit your life. Understanding the condition is the first step toward effective treatment.

Sep 15, 20247 min read

Listen anywhere