One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
Because of the stigma around mental healthcare, many people with anxiety disorders decide not to pursue counseling even though the benefits of therapy may have a positive impact on their lives. But with proper professional treatment and self-care techniques, anxiety can be managed and you can go on to live a fulfilling and happy life.
Your mental and emotional health plays a huge role in your ability to make impactful decisions and navigate day-to-day life. Because of this, it’s important to give feelings of anxiousness the same care and consideration you would give physical ailments such as vision problems, toothaches, or chest pains.
If you have found yourself consumed by feelings of anxiousness and you’re ready to seek anxiety counseling, consider calling the experts at Thriveworks Counseling in Amarillo, TX, to set up a treatment plan. We’re here to help.
Common Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
Often coupled with depression, anxiety can make daily tasks difficult to complete. It can make you feel as if every movement and moment deserves constant scrutiny, no matter how major or minor the situation may be.
That’s why physical exhaustion (fatigue) is one of the more common symptoms of the disorder. Some of its other common symptoms include:
- Excessive worrying
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Muscle tensing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Hot flashes
- Excessive sweating
- Panic attacks
The list of symptoms above isn’t comprehensive. Many people experience additional symptoms, including physical ones such as chest pains and body aches.
How Licensed Professionals Treat Anxiety
Because anxiety affects different people in different ways, methods of treating anxiety vary depending on the client’s needs and concerns. A professional counselor will be able to recommend possible talk therapy options or medications, as well as self-care steps you can take in between your appointments. Suggestions may include:
- Getting the recommended hours of sleep. Physical health often goes hand-in-hand with mental well-being, so it’s a good idea to get an appropriate amount of sleep.
- Becoming physically active. Keeping your muscles engaged through movement can help to relieve stress and can be a powerful coping mechanism.
- Practicing meditation. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can have a calming influence on your mental health. Take a moment to breathe deeply.
- Removing caffeine. Caffeine and other stimulants can have a negative impact on your anxiety. Consider removing the substance from your diet.
A licensed professional will be able to prescribe medication and administer various types of therapy in addition to the self-care methods listed above. Exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other therapy options may be used to help alleviate your anxiety symptoms.
Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Amarillo, TX
If you’ve been on the lookout for comprehensive therapy for your anxiety, consider reaching out to our expert care providers. At Thriveworks Counseling in Amarillo, TX, we take pride in providing personalized treatment options that focus on relieving your anxiety symptoms.
Weekend and evening sessions are available to give you the flexibility you need, and online counseling via video is also available. Together, you and your counselor can take the necessary steps to reduce your anxiety. Call Thriveworks Counseling in Amarillo, TX to start reaching your mental healthcare goals.
