Anxiety Help

Worry is a normal and often healthy emotion, but when it becomes excessive, it can interfere with daily life. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting 40 million adults, or 18.1% of the population. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are treatable, and with the right approach, people can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It can be a normal response to stress or danger, but in some cases, it becomes excessive, and the fear or worry persists even when there is no real danger.

Symptoms of Anxiety:

The symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Excessive worrying
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances
• Panic attacks
• Avoidance behavior
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This type of anxiety disorder involves excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday things, such as work, money, health, and family.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): This type of anxiety disorder involves intense fear and anxiety in social situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people.
3. Panic Disorder: This type of anxiety disorder involves sudden and repeated panic attacks, which can cause a range of physical symptoms, including sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
4. Specific Phobias: This type of anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

Treatment for Anxiety:

Anxiety disorders are treatable, and the most effective treatments usually involve a combination of therapy and medication. Some common treatment options include:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
2. Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.
3. Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits can also help reduce anxiety.

If you are struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone, and there is help available. With  counseling and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help when you need it.

 Anxiety can feel huge, but it’s process is simple and repetitive. Recognizing that worry has a consistent pattern, and understanding how to respond to it is the first step in conquering it.   

In the words of Reid Wilson PhD: Anxiety Always Demands These TWO Things: 

Certainty: “I must know what is going to happen next…and I want to control it!”
Comfort: “I want to feel safe and comfortable…so I avoid, avoid, avoid!   

Don't let worry be in charge. What the science tells us about fear, worry and avoidance. The harder you fight anxious thoughts or symptoms, the STRONGER it gets.

The Skills You Need. you will get important first steps and skills you can immediately use to rein in and manage your anxiety disorder.

Did You Know? Anxiety Disorders feel difficult and miserable, but with time and effort, are  solvable problems. 

"I have spent several years working with people who experience anxiety. I know first hand how it can affect your life and make you feel like you're not in control.

Anxiety can be really overwhelming - it can make your heart race, your hands shake, and your thoughts spiral out of control. Sometimes it feels like you're trapped in a vicious cycle of worry and fear that you can't break out of.

But the good news is that anxiety is something that can be managed and  overcome. There are many different tools and techniques that can help, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and mindfulness practices.

I know firsthand that anxiety is something that can be understood and conquered. With the right support and guidance, anyone can learn to manage their anxiety and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life." -Sandra Wilson LPC, NCC,