What Anxiety is and How it Affects People
Anxiety can feel overwhelming and can be complex to understand. Put simply, anxiety is the body’s response to a perceived threat. Common anxiety symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, feeling tense and on edge, as well as frequent worrying and rumination.
Many people benefit from anxiety therapy which helps them recognize anxiety triggers, contextualize anxiety-provoking situations more effectively, practice positive coping strategies such as mindfulness or deep breathing exercises, and develop greater emotional resilience. Taking action with anxiety therapy can be empowering and help individuals reduce the intensity of anxiety so that it does not interfere with their lives.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a broad range of psychological conditions that can vary in intensity and duration. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common form, characterized by chronic worrying and feelings of dread over upcoming events or situations. Panic Disorder is marked by frequent intense episodes of severe physical distress, sweating, weakness, and overwhelming fear.
Social Anxiety Disorder is distinguished by an intense fear of embarrassment and humiliation in social settings or around strangers. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) results from experiencing or witnessing psychologically traumatic experiences such as acts of violence, accidents, natural disasters, and other traumatic events. Each of these disorders has varying levels of severity but all should be taken seriously and treated with care through the implementation of necessary coping strategies and therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy.
Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can present a wide range of symptoms, from physical reactions such as increased heart rate and difficulty breathing to mental issues like racing thoughts, feelings of dread, or rumination on negative scenarios. People with anxiety may also have difficulty sleeping or concentrating, or experience nausea, shaking, and sweating.
While everyone experiences some level of the symptoms listed above from time to time, those with an anxiety disorder typically experience them with more intensity and frequency than normal. If you’re concerned that you might be experiencing an anxiety disorder due to feeling many of these symptoms be sure to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Therapy Can Help People with Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety therapy can be a very effective treatment for people with anxiety disorders. Through therapy, individuals have the opportunity to explore their thought processes and learn how to better manage their emotions. Not only this, but trained professionals can offer valuable insights into why an individual is feeling anxious and provide constructive tools that can help them regulate their emotions.
For example, cognitive behavioral therapy works by challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to a person’s anxiety while exploring coping skills that will allow them to better manage difficult or intense emotions. In many cases, talking with a qualified therapist can lead to long-lasting change and resilience when faced with stressors of all kinds.
Therapies for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are immediately treatable, and typically involve some form of therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most common type of therapy used for anxiety patients. CBT works to identify both negative thought patterns as well as behaviors that worsen anxiety symptoms. By recognizing these thought patterns and behaviors, patients can start replacing them with healthier alternatives.
Additionally, CBT can incorporate relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes to help with symptom management. Other forms of therapy used for treating anxiety include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), and Exposure Therapy.
Tips for Finding a Therapist That’s Right for You
When it comes to finding the right anxiety therapist for you, it is important to do your research. Start by making a list of potential therapists that fit your needs. Consider their education and experience, as well as any certifications they might have in specialties that are important to you. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions that come to mind—a good therapist should be open to answering them and provide an initial consultation if necessary.
Make sure that your therapist is someone you can trust and be honest with, as it will make it easier for you to open up and have successful therapy sessions. Ultimately, the best therapist for you is one who understands your individual needs and respects your feelings in a safe environment. With the right therapist and treatment plan, you can make positive strides toward reducing your anxiety and improving your overall mental health.
Summary
Anxiety disorders are common and treatable mental health problems that can cause serious symptoms. There are different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms. Therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and there are different types of therapy to choose from. When looking for a therapist, it’s important to find one that you feel comfortable with to get the most out of your treatment.
