Anxiety

Anxiety is a tool we all have that helps us make decisions that keep us safe. If you were to find yourself walking downtown at 2 am, healthy anxiety would probably nudge you to not walk down a dark alley and stay on well-lit roads where people are, to keep you safe. Anxiety does this job quite well unless it begins overworking and starts making decisions that make sense to your anxiety and are causing you to not be fully-present and participating in activities or in interactions you want to be doing or with those you wish to be connecting.

When anxiety becomes a disorder, is when one begins experiencing excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, or anxiety that interfere with daily life. Anxiety disorders can develop in response to various situations or triggers and can be quite debilitating.

There are several types disorders where one might experience anxiety, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – those with this experience excessive and persistent worry and fear about various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and health, even when there is no real or immediate threat.

Panic disorder – those with this experience sudden and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense periods of fear or discomfort that may include physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing.

Social anxiety disorder – those with this experience intense fear or anxiety in social situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people, which can lead to avoidance or significant distress.

Specific phobias – those with this experience intense fear or anxiety in response to a specific object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or flying.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – those with this experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to reduce anxiety or prevent harm.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – those with this experience intense fear or anxiety related to a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, combat, or physical or sexual assault. (See Trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD)

Anxiety disorders can be treated with a combination of traditional talk therapy (psychotherapy), medication, and other supportive therapies. As our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected, when treating anxiety, we focus on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change feelings and behaviors, and develop coping strategies to manage and lessen anxiety. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and/or IFS (Internal Family Systems) may also be beneficial for some. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or benzodiazepines, may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety. Other supportive therapies, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and exercise, may also be helpful in managing anxiety.

If you are experiencing anxiety that impacts your ability to enjoy and live your life fully, we invite you to reach out for support, one of our therapists can help.