--- title: "Random Thoughts On Anxiety | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "It occurs to me that Independence Day in the United States may be construed as a two-pronged Holiday. July Fourth speaks for itself. What a day; parades, food, beer, fireworks, general revelry. We get..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "MedicalBusiness", "MedicalOrganization", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "alternateName": "Denver Psychiatry - Dr. Steve Sarche", "description": "Denver Psychiatry is a private psychiatric practice founded by Dr. Steve Sarche in 2004, providing comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver metropolitan area.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/logo.png" }, "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/og-image.png", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "faxNumber": "+1-303-399-6069", "email": "drsteve@denverpsychiatry.com", "foundingDate": "2004", "founder": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "areaServed": { "@type": "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "geoRadius": "50000" }, "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry", "Adult Psychiatry" ], "employee": [ { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" } ], "availableService": [ { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Psychiatric Evaluation", "description": "Comprehensive initial evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Medication Management", "description": "Expert prescription and monitoring of psychiatric medications" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Child & Adolescent Psychiatry", "description": "Age-appropriate psychiatric care for children and adolescents (ages 10+)" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Anxiety Treatment", "description": "Treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Depression Treatment", "description": "Comprehensive treatment for major depression and mood disorders" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "ADHD Treatment", "description": "Diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorders in all ages" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "PTSD & Trauma Treatment", "description": "Compassionate, evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress and trauma-related conditions" } ], "openingHoursSpecification": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:00" }, "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "reviewCount": "50" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@type": [ "Physician", "Person" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O.", "alternateName": "Steve Sarche", "description": "Dr. Steve Sarche is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He founded Denver Psychiatry in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in comprehensive mental health care.", "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sarche-2019-headshot-1.jpg", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "jobTitle": "Psychiatrist", "honorificSuffix": "D.O.", "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" ], "worksFor": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "affiliation": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "alumniOf": [ { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Western University of Health Sciences" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado Health Sciences Center" } ], "hasCredential": [ { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Board Certification", "name": "Board Certified in General Psychiatry" }, { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Fellowship", "name": "Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" } ], "memberOf": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society", "roleName": "Past President" } ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#website", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens during the initial psychiatric evaluation at Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The initial evaluation is a comprehensive session where Dr. Sarche reviews your medical history, discusses current concerns, and works to understand your unique situation. For children and adolescents, this includes integrated meetings with parents. By the end of 1-2 visits, you'll have a clear clinical formulation and personalized treatment plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry treat both children and adults?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Dr. Steve Sarche is board certified in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Denver Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for patients ages 10 and older, with age-appropriate treatment approaches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What mental health conditions does Denver Psychiatry treat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Denver Psychiatry treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, situational stress, behavioral problems, and relational difficulties. Dr. Sarche takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry offer non-medication treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. While medication can be an important part of treatment, Dr. Sarche also emphasizes non-medication modalities including sleep hygiene strategies, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and therapeutic approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. psychiatrist?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) receive the same training as M.D.s but with additional focus on the interconnection between the body's systems. This holistic perspective informs Dr. Sarche's approach to mental health, considering how physical and emotional well-being influence each other." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I schedule an appointment with Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can schedule an appointment by calling Denver Psychiatry at (303) 393-8808. The staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions about your first visit." } } ] }, { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#blog", "name": "Denver Psychiatry Mental Health Blog", "description": "Expert insights and articles on mental health topics from Dr. Steve Sarche, board-certified psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/blog", "author": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Random Thoughts On Anxiety", "description": "It occurs to me that Independence Day in the United States may be construed as a two-pronged Holiday. July Fourth speaks for itself. What a day; parades, food, beer, fireworks, general revelry. We get...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2015-07-08T13:45:56+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/random-thoughts-on-anxiety" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Anxiety # Random Thoughts On Anxiety Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Wednesday, July 8, 2015 • 5 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Frandom-thoughts-on-anxiety)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Frandom-thoughts-on-anxiety&text=Random%20Thoughts%20On%20Anxiety)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Frandom-thoughts-on-anxiety&title=Random%20Thoughts%20On%20Anxiety)[]() **It occurs to me that Independence Day in the United States may be construed as a two-pronged Holiday.   July Fourth speaks for itself.  What a day; parades, food, beer, fireworks, general revelry.  We get so caught up in the fun that we sometimes forget that suddenly our dogs are no longer by our side, but they are cowering somewhere under the bed or behind the couch.**   **There is very little that can be done to soothe them as they recoil and tremble their way through this day.  They are scared, they are running away, hiding, sometimes lashing out.   They have no idea what the explosions they are hearing are, and I can only imagine the horror stories created in their heads.** **Their mind is likely going to a worst case scenario:   The "booms" present a threat that wants to hurt them.   As long as the "threat" is there, the response repeats and intensifies.  Dogs have no way to cope with this and their only recourse is for the fireworks to end.   Thus the second part of the Holiday:   The fifth of July; “Independence Day” for dogs.  Dogs must be, at some level, celebrating the departure of the big booming threats in the sky.**  **This is what anxiety looks like.  Raw fear, often triggered, that can intensify and cause basic self-preserving behavior.   We are wired for anxiety.   It can be a good thing. An example is guilt.  To avoid the anxious feelings from guilt, most of us decide to do the “right" thing, such as not steal from others or hurt others simply for our own gain.   Anxiety in general helps motivate us and get things done.**  **The nervous system is naturally wired to be able to adjust the intensity of the anxiety and to turn it on and off as needed.**   **People with an anxiety disorder do not benefit from the correct balance of this system.   They have anxiety when they shouldn't.  I suppose that it feels like the surge of adrenaline during a scare moment in a horror movie or when you realize that the person in the car behind you may not be slowing down fast enough.   In the case of an anxiety disorder, the "fight or flight" nervous system is firing, even in the absence of a threat.** **Imagine how painful and uncomfortable that must feel.  Unlike our canine friends, who cannot cognitively understand their feelings, people do realize the level of anxiety they have is "too much" for the situation and is not a rational response.  An anxious person's anxiety causes him to view situations as exaggerated in their threat and negativity.  This often leads to negative predictions of the future, negative assessments of the present and the past.**   **As anxious feelings and thoughts spiral out of control, the person gets more irritable, tired, restless, overall stressed.   Sleep gets worse, appetite and concentration are affected.  Being aware of these things only makes the person more anxious.** **This is where anxiety can get very nasty.   It tends to force a person to run or avoid.  This means the person may avoid seeking help.  The person may also avoid dealing with the fact he is anxious and pretend things are fine.   This behavior generally leads to more problems.  Unlike a dog, which enjoys his independence day on the fifth, the person's problems don't just suddenly disappear like smoke wafting away after the firework show.**   **In order for a person to get control of the anxiety, he must face it directly.   It must be accepted that the anxiety is there and is not able to be controlled right now.   Simply put, when you are looking at something you don't like, you can deal with it.   If you are not, it will only remain or grow as a problem.  I like how Steven Hayes, PhD words it: “If you aren’t willing to have it, you will”.**  **Seeking help for anxiety is liberating.  You certainly would not be alone if you suffer from an anxiety disorder.  The NIMH estimates that the lifetime prevalence of an anxiety disorder in the United States is almost 29%.  This means that close to 1 out of 3 Americans will have a form of anxiety that causes a life disruption or impairment at some point in their life.** **It seems like it would be nice to be a dog.  They get free room and board, they always seem so present and that so little is needed to alleviate anxiety.  For human beings, however, anxiety problems are generally not simply solved by turning the page on the calendar.**   **Fortunately, there are ways for us to manage anxiety.  Anxiety can be managed through coaching and practice of coping skills, through therapy, lifestyle and environmental changes, and, in more severe cases, medications.  These are all strategies that Fido does not have the ability to use.  He has to rely on human beings to manage his anxiety.**  **On that note, maybe it’s not always so great to be a dog.  A dog will never get to enjoy fireworks.**  Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Frandom-thoughts-on-anxiety)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Frandom-thoughts-on-anxiety&text=Random%20Thoughts%20On%20Anxiety)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Frandom-thoughts-on-anxiety&title=Random%20Thoughts%20On%20Anxiety)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Anxiety ### Give Yourself a Gift This Year There are only two weekends left before Christmas and nobody wants to be stuck racing around handling last-minute preparations and last-minute disappointments that all the good food, gifts and decorat... Dec 8, 2023 5 min read ](/article/give-yourself-a-gift-this-year)[ Anxiety ### Eat Your Broccoli The COVID lockdown took away so much from us but one thing it gave us was that we had less obligations in life for a while (I guess you could call that more of less). As we continue to recover from th... Mar 3, 2023 4 min read ](/article/eat-your-broccoli)[ Anxiety ### Stress Management Part One: Don't Be A One-Hit Wonder As the polar ice caps are melting it seems that not only are ocean levels rising, but so are anxiety levels. Nov 23, 2016 5 min read ](/article/stress-management-part-one-dont-be-a-one-hit-wonder) ### Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area since 2004. [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808)[Patient Portal](https://www.valant.io/portal/sarche) #### Quick Links - [Home](#home) - [Services](#services) - [About Dr. Sarche](#about) - [Our Approach](#approach) - [Resources](#resources) - [Blog](#blog) - [Contact Us](#contact) #### Contact - The Galleria 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N Denver, CO 80246 - [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808) - Fax: (303) 399-6069 © 2026 Denver Psychiatry. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[HIPAA Notice](/hipaa-notice)[Accessibility](/accessibility) [Made with by HEARD Digital Marketing](https://heardmarketing.io)