Does this sound like you?
- You're constantly worrying
- Friends and family accuse you of always being "stressed out"
- You're having trouble sleeping or concentrating because you can't turn off your anxious thoughts
Does this sound like you?
- You're constantly worrying
- Friends and family accuse you of always being "stressed out"
- You're having trouble sleeping or concentrating because you can't turn off your anxious thoughts
While anxiety is a normal part of everyday life, it can sometimes become debilitating. A certain level of anxiety helps to keep us safe. For example, if you're worried about catching a cold, then you might try to boost your immune system with exercise or vitamins. The problem is when anxiety gets to a level where it starts to interfere with your day-to-day functioning. When this happens, anxiety might keep you from sleeping well, it might make it hard for you to focus, or you might play things over in your mind again and again. Maybe, you even start to avoid certain things, such as going out, socializing, or driving.
When anxiety gets overwhelming, you might try to 'numb' the feeling in some way. For example, you may use alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drugs to stop yourself from feeling anxious. Maybe, you end up over eating or craving 'comfort' foods. Anxiety can also morph into other feelings. When we feel anxious, we can also become irritable, frustrated with others, even angry. Over time, we can start to feel worn down, unmotivated, and depressed.
Anxiety Comes in Many Forms
Anxiety symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Regardless of the symptoms you're experiencing, anxiety can have a profoundly negative impact on your life.
ANXIETY SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- feeling restless or on edge
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling tired
- feeling tense (muscle tension)
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling irritable
Types of Anxiety Disorders:
GENERALIZED ANXIETY (GAD)
Generalized anxiety is the most common form of anxiety. People with GAD often worry about both big and little things in their life. They often catastrophize things. This means, they always assume the worst will happen. We will often experience a variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. These make it hard for us to get through the day. Additionally, people with GAD are more susceptible to depression and other mental health concerns.
PANIC DISORDERS
People with a panic disorder experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shallow, rapid breathing (hyperventilating), and dizziness. These symptoms may make them feel like they're having a heart attack or dying. Essentially, their bodies react as if they're in imminent danger, even though no threat is present.
SOCIAL ANXIETY/SOCIAL PHOBIA
People with social phobias become very nervous in social settings. Especially when they're in new situations. For example, they avoid parties or large group gatherings with people they don't know. Often people with social phobias express extreme fear that they will be judged or are very worried others won't like them. They often get embarrassed easily, even if there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Sometimes, the idea or suggestion of being in a social setting can cause them to have symptoms similar to a panic disorder.
SPECIFIC PHOBIAS
A specific phobia is an extreme fear of something when there's no actual threat. The thing that is causing the phobia may be dangerous, or it may not be. Common examples of specific phobias include heights, spiders, snakes, fire, water, etc. When asked to confront the thing(s) that they're afraid of, an individual with a social phobia experiences panic disorder like symptoms.
The good news is, anxiety disorders are highly treatable. With anxiety disorder treatment, you can find relief from the symptoms that are holding you back from living your best life.
My Approach to Treating Anxiety
Talking to a therapist in a safe and non-judgmental space will allow you to open up about the thoughts and emotions you're experiencing. Then, you'll be given a chance to learn coping techniques to cope with your anxiety symptoms and life challenges, so you can find relief. I will also help you learn to identify unhelpful or untrue thoughts (called cognitive distortions). Then, we will help you re-frame these thoughts into positive and constructive thoughts. Lastly, I will help you brainstorm ways to engage in self-care so and find ways to prioritize your mental health.
If you're finding that you feel "stuck" or unable to make substantial progress in traditional talk-therapy. I may suggest trying Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing or EMDR for short. EMDR therapy for anxiety stimulates both the logical and emotional sides of the brain. This is to help you process the trauma that's causing you to feel stuck. Additionally, this allows the brain to heal itself so you can find a clear path forward.
After anxiety treatment my hope is that you will be able to better manage your anxiety symptoms. You'll be able to confidently cope with stress when it arises and move forward without it derailing your entire day. When you're better able to manage your anxiety, your life and your relationships will improve and you'll find greater happiness. Once you find freedom from anxiety you will be able to reach the goals you have for yourself and your life.