A lot of people struggle with anxiety Anxiety is difficult with swirling thoughts and other physical symptoms that you cannot escape, leaving you with the impression that you’re living too close to the edge and can no longer cope.
A lot of people struggle with anxiety Anxiety is difficult with swirling thoughts and other physical symptoms that you cannot escape, leaving you with the impression that you’re living too close to the edge and can no longer cope.
Anxiety Treatment
Did you know that both biological and environmental factors can influence whether a person develops anxiety? Physiological reactions to stress, environmental influences, and genetics all play a role in anxiety disorders. When these reactions interfere with daily life, professional help and emotional support become essential. Isolation can worsen symptoms, so maintaining social connections is crucial for feeling safe and supported.
Living with anxiety is an overwhelming and exhausting experience. It often manifests as constant worry, tension, and fear. Physically, anxiety can cause a racing heart, muscle tension, stomach upset, headaches, sleeplessness, and changes in appetite. These symptoms can make daily life challenging, impacting your family, career, and friendships.
You are Not Alone
According to NAMI, anxiety is the most common mental health challenge people experience, and it is considered one of the most common reasons people seek treatment. Statistically, 19.1% of the adult population in the United States suffers from an anxiety disorder, and women are more than twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. And yet, Anxiety disorders are highly treatable and less than 37% of those suffering are treated.
People often find themselves living a life where anxiety is always present and interfering with their work, relationships, health, and overall happiness. You might even worry that something is terribly wrong with you, and it’s easy to feel isolated when you experience anxiety symptoms all the time.
Anxiety can impact the way you think and feel about yourself, making it challenging to lead a healthy life and function normally on a day-to-day basis. Living with anxiety can steal joy from everyday life. The symptoms can be so intense that it’s hard to do the things you love or be the person you want to be. It is essential to be aware of what might trigger your anxiety and work towards finding relief from the symptoms.
Symptoms Related to Anxiety
Anxiety impacts you on many levels; some are obvious, while others are more subtle. Your symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Edginess or restlessness
- Feeling tense and irritable (which may or may not be observable to others)
- Tiring quickly or more tired than usual
- Trying to control situations
- Impaired concentration
- Difficulty sleeping (falling asleep or staying asleep)
- Jumping to negative conclusions
- Increased pessimism
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Tension in your relationships
- Trouble concentrating
- Mind going blank
Treatment Can Help
Although anxiety may seem all-consuming, effective treatment can help you recognize moments of calm and build on your existing coping skills. Together, we will develop healthy strategies and strengthen your inner resources. Here’s how treatment can make a significant difference:
Recognizing and Enhancing Calm Moments
In our sessions, we will focus on identifying the times when you feel more at ease. By recognizing these moments, you can understand the factors that contribute to your sense of calm and learn to extend these periods. This process involves:
- Mindfulness Techniques: Practicing mindfulness to stay present and reduce anxiety.
- Relaxation Exercises: Using breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to promote calmness.
Improving Communication Skills
Anxiety often makes communication challenging, especially if you feel unheard or undervalued. Treatment will focus on:
- Assertiveness Training: Learning to express your needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully.
- Active Listening: Enhancing your ability to listen and respond empathetically in conversations.
- Conflict Resolution: Developing strategies to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.
Shifting Self-Talk
The way you talk to yourself significantly impacts your anxiety levels. We will work on:
- Positive Self-Talk: Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations and realistic self-assessments.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying cognitive distortions and learning to think more rationally.
A Compassionate and Active Approach
Achieving Effective Outcomes
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and many people experience significant improvements through therapy. By engaging in treatment, you can:
- Reduce Symptoms: Experience fewer and less intense anxiety symptoms.
- Improve Quality of Life: Enjoy better relationships, increased productivity, and greater overall happiness.
- Build Resilience: Develop the skills and confidence to handle future stressors more effectively.
