What Is Anxiety?
It’s normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking a test. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work harder and to do a better job. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes, but does not interfere with your everyday life.
In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with you all the time. It is intense and sometimes debilitating.
This type of anxiety may cause you to stop doing things you enjoy. In extreme cases, it may prevent you from entering an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.
Does Your Life Feel Out Of Control?
A Therapist Trained in Anxiety Can Help
Making the decision to seek Anxiety therapy is often a difficult consideration. Below are signs that you should seek professional help.
- Stress and fear are making it hard to pursue your goals or keep up with daily obligations.
- Feeling overwhelmed by an upcoming decision or major life event.
- Feeling a sense of anxiety or panic about the future.
- Staying up at night obsessing about what tomorrow will bring.
- Having a hard time focusing on what you truly want and need.
- Constantly replaying conversations and events in your mind, wondering what you could have done differently.
- Considering a major life transition, such as a change in career or schooling and worrying about how your family and friends will react to your decisions.
- Stress is beginning to affect your sleeping and eating habits.
- Feeling more irritable or disconnected at work or in your relationships.
- Avoiding friendships and events you used to enjoy.
- Feeling isolated and stuck in place.
The resulting mental and physical exhaustion can lead to an inability to relax or take care of your health and well-being. And as anxiety, fear, and doubt build, you may find yourself feeling increasingly powerless at a time when life already feels out of control.
Without someone you can turn to for support and guidance, you may end up shutting down.
Common anxiety signs and symptoms
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Benefits of Anxiety Counseling
Take Back Your Life
Pursue activities, hobbies, situations and relationships that you’ve always wanted but avoided due to anxiety.
Understand Yourself
Cover underlying causes of your worries and fears, and break self-destructive habits.
Regain Confidence
Regain your lost confidence, as well as improve your attention and focus.
Troubleshoot Complex Thoughts
Learn how to handle complex thoughts and feelings effectively and strategically.
What Is Anxiety Therapy?
Therapists and patients work together to identify specific concerns and develop skills for coping with anxiety. Anxiety disorders are very treatable. Most people who suffer from anxiety are able to reduce or eliminate symptoms after treatment.
There are numerous approaches to treating anxiety. Sometimes, family and couples counseling are needed to provide the support the person needs to manage anxiety. Your therapist will develop a treatment to fit your needs.
