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.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders in the country; they affect millions of adults and children in the U.S. every year. Living with one can have a significant impact on your life. Anxiety can escalate into overwhelming physical and psychological symptoms, including panic attacks, shortness of breath, insomnia, and excessive sweating.
If you’re experiencing anxiety that’s interfering with your life, you may find relief from anxiety counseling. A skilled, compassionate therapist or counselor at Thriveworks Counseling in Topeka, KS can work with you to reduce anxiety symptoms so you can get back to focusing on the things you enjoy. Reach out today for help.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can look different for different people. Some people experience debilitating physical symptoms while others experience racing and catastrophic thoughts. Here are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety:
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling or jitters
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
- Feeling a sense of impending danger or doom
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Feeling weak or tired
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or GI issues
- Substance abuse
Types of Anxiety Disorders
The kinds of symptoms you face can also depend, at least in part, on the type of anxiety disorder you have. There are several kinds of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is characterized by chronic, exaggerated worry and tension, even under ordinary circumstances.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can cause repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, in order to satisfy recurrent, unwanted thoughts or to help them go away.
- Panic disorder, which can lead to unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or queasiness.
- Social phobia (social anxiety disorder), which is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Some people only experience this when they have to speak in a formal situation while others feel excessively anxious when eating, drinking, or just being around other people.
- Post-traumatic stress (PTSD), which can develop after exposure to a scary event or ordeal. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural disasters, car crashes, or military combat.
How Does Anxiety Therapy Work?
The most common treatment for anxiety is called talk therapy, which involves an open dialogue between a client and a licensed professional to reduce anxiety symptoms and address emotional concerns. One form of talk therapy used to treat anxiety disorders is called cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. Usually a short-term treatment, CBT focuses on adjusting harmful thought patterns to improve mood and behavior.
Another form of talk therapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is used to teach specific skills to help you understand your symptoms and their triggers so you can build the confidence you need to manage each situation that sets off your anxiety alarm bell.
Sometimes, medication is used in conjunction with talk therapy to help treat severe or persistent symptoms. Other treatment methods that are often used hand-in-hand with therapy include stress-management activities, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Your provider may also recommend regular exercise, self-care activities, eating well, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting enough sleep.
Reach Out to Thriveworks Counseling in Topeka, KS for Anxiety Treatment
At Thriveworks, new clients are often able to see a provider within the same week as scheduling, either remotely or in person. Our offices open early and stay open in the evenings, and we even offer weekend appointments. Thriveworks also accepts most major forms of insurance.
You can escape the cycle of endless worrying. Contact Thriveworks Counseling in Topeka, KS to schedule an appointment today.
