Anxiety, Worry & Panic
While everyone may experience worries or fears, anxiety is a problem when it becomes excessive, persists longer than is typical, or impairs functioning in one or more areas of life. Anxiety is characterized by marked fear or distress regarding a present or anticipated threat. It has many recognized clinical forms including generalized anxiety, panic attacks, separation anxiety , social anxiety and phobias. Anxiety can negatively affect work, school, or relationships. When this is the case, it is important to seek counseling.
Symptoms of anxiety are both cognitive and physical. Cognitive symptoms can include:
Persistent worry, fear or apprehension
Preoccupying thoughts or obsessions (e.g., Do they like me? Did I do something wrong?)
Avoidance of feared situations
Irritability
Physical symptoms can include:
Difficulty sleeping
Restlessness
Muscle tensions
Headaches
Stomachaches & Nausea
Fatigue
Sweating
Rapid Heartbeat
Trembling
Shortness of Breath
Chills
Dizziness
The specific symptoms experienced, the feared situation (if identifiable) and the length of time that symptoms have been present influence treatment.
Treatment for anxiety can include:
Practicing mindfulness and relaxation strategies
Employing stress-reduction techniques
Utilizing cognitive-behavioral strategies
Developing of coping skills
Gradual exposure to the feared situation or object
Increasing social skills and social support
If you think that you are experiencing anxiety, please contact me to set up an initial consultation and learn more about treatment for anxiety.
Resources:
The National Institute of Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Anxiety Around the Web:
Small Changes to Manage Anxiety