At various points in your life, you will feel anxious. Maybe you’re nervous about an upcoming interview. Maybe you’re bothered by a recent conflict with a loved one. Or perhaps you can’t pin down a specific reason for feeling anxious but you still can’t quite shake the feeling.
Brief bouts of anxiety are common but when feelings of anxiety are persistent, frequent, or disruptive to everyday life, there is a chance that you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can present itself in the forms of physical and mental symptoms. Some individuals experience an accelerated heart rate or sweaty palms while others note a persistent feeling of dread or listlessness. Whatever the symptoms, anxiety can have a detrimental impact on your life if you do not take measures to treat it.
While it’s common to feel nervous or anxious, disruptive or debilitating anxiety is not something to dismiss. Anxiety disorders are serious conditions that can cause lasting physical and mental consequences if left untreated. As one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, anxiety is worth treating with dedicated care and attention.
One of the most common treatment options for anxiety disorders is counseling. Counseling services, like those offered by Thriveworks Counseling in Huntsville, AL, are often beneficial for individuals with anxiety. Through therapy, individuals with anxiety can obtain valuable resources and support that will help them cope with their symptoms and get their life back on track.
What Are the Most Common Anxiety Symptoms?
If you are unsure whether you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, you can learn about some common symptoms so you know how to identify the condition.
Keep in mind that anxiety may look different from one person to the next. Even so, most individuals with anxiety disorders experience some of the same symptoms, which include:
- An excessive amount of worrying, especially when it far exceeds the cause for concern
- Excessive feelings of agitation or irritability
- Restlessness and tense muscles
- Sleeping problems such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Concentration problems
- Fatigue
- Panic attacks
The above list is also not exhaustive but these are some of the most common symptoms individuals experience. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms like these, you may want to consider seeking treatment for anxiety.
It is also important to recognize that there are different types of anxiety, which can affect individuals in various ways as well. Some of the most common types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
These conditions tend to have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and mental health. If you or a loved one are suffering from any of these disorders, consider seeking counseling services to help you manage your symptoms.
Getting Help: What to Expect From Anxiety Therapy
While anxiety can feel overwhelming, effective treatment options are available. Knowing what you can expect before a counseling session may help you more calmly prepare for your sessions.
One of the most common ways to treat anxiety is through talk therapy. In this form of treatment, clients are encouraged to talk through their issues, worries, and fears in order to gain insight from a therapist or counselor.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular types of talk therapy. It can be tailored to each situation, teaching clients how to tolerate distress, work through difficult situations, and change their harmful thinking patterns. Many clients enjoy CBT because it provides them with tangible coping mechanisms in addition to thoughtful insight.
Your therapist may customize their approach depending on your symptoms, concerns, and goals. Some clients, for example, may benefit from guidance on practicing mindfulness and adopting relaxation techniques to mitigate their symptoms. There are many other types of therapy including interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and exposure therapy.
Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to reduce anxiety symptoms and empower you to live a healthy, happy life. Mental health professionals are standing by at Thriveworks in Huntsville, AL.
Talk With a Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Huntsville, AL
If you are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Counseling in Huntsville, AL to schedule an appointment.
By working with Thriveworks Counseling, you will benefit from online counseling opportunities, weekend and evening availability, and same- or next-day appointments. Thriveworks also offers text support, 24-hour Q&A with a life coach, flexible cancellations, and providers that accept most major insurance plans.
Anxiety can be difficult but you do not have to endure this condition alone. Prioritize your mental health by contacting Thriveworks in Huntsville, AL to set up an appointment today.
