Stress and Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Why do I have Anxiety?
Why do I have Anxiety?
A certain level of stress is typical and expected. You work a demanding job, have a busy schedule and tend to your most valued relationships. But normal stress can turn into anxiety and anxiety can turn into fear. Sometimes stress can become so problematic that it interferes with your daily life. Some common signs of anxiety include:
- Constant worry
- Restlessness
- Decreased sleep
- Appetite changes
- A constant sense of "something bad is going to happen"
- Feeling on edge
- Stomach upset
- Racing heart and/or palpitations
- Anger and irritability
- Avoidance of situations and/or people
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
Why do I have Anxiety?
Why do I have Anxiety?
Why do I have Anxiety?
Anxiety may be caused by a life event, physical condition, psychological stressors which have accumulated or a combination of these. Certain people may be more anxious in their daily lives and thus, may be more prone to developing an anxiety condition. Anxiety is commonly tied to a number of other conditions including ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression.
Common reasons for feeling anxious include:
- Social pressures
- Academic related stress
- Financial difficulties
- Recent life transition
- Medical fears
- Traumatic event
- Drug use
- Relationship issues
- Underlying medical condition
- Poor self-esteem
The Anxiety Cycle
Treatment for Anxiety
Treatment for Anxiety
People may naturally avoid situations that make them anxious. This might help them feel better in the short term. The trouble is that the anxiety keeps returning and can spread to other situations. Some people start avoiding everyday activities including:
- shops
- crowded places
- school
- meetings and work situations
- social events
Avoidance may make someone feel better at first, but relief is only temporary. They may start to worry about what will happen the next time. Every time the person avoids something, it is harder to face it next time and they gradually want to avoid more and more things until their world becomes very small. While this may be effective initially, avoiding anxious situations does not address the underlying issues causing anxiety.
Treatment for Anxiety
Treatment for Anxiety
Treatment for Anxiety
Anxiety counseling can provide sufferers with the tools and assistance needed to move past their anxiety. Treatment can provide very targeted interventions utilizing multiple treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and learning coping skills to manage symptoms of anxiety including breathing techniques, relaxation, nutrition and stress management skills.
Anxiety Facts:
- Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States.
- 1 in 5 Americans struggle with anxiety.
- Individual suffering from anxiety are 3-5 times more likely to go to the doctor and anxiety often mimics physical symptoms.
- Research shows therapy is 3 times more effective than medication alone.