“The same pattern of thinking that has gotten us to where we are, will not get us to where we want to go”
-Anthony Robbins
Understanding Your Anxiety and How Counseling Can Help You
Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats, both mental and physical. As humans, this biological reaction has played a vital role in keeping us safe throughout evolution. In manageable amounts, anxiety can even enhance focus and problem-solving abilities. However, when anxiety takes over your daily life, it can become overwhelming and debilitating.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent feelings of worry or fear that interfere with your routine, counseling can help you regain control.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety manifests in various ways. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Uncontrollable worry that feels impossible to stop
- Nervousness or restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Stomach issues or digestive discomfort
- Racing or ruminating thoughts
- Fear that something terrible is about to happen
- Trouble concentrating
- Avoidance of feared situations or objects
- Irritability and muscle tension
While occasional worry is normal, chronic anxiety that limits your life or decisions may indicate an anxiety disorder.
How Common Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in the U.S., affecting nearly 18-19% of adults annually. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), women are more likely to experience anxiety disorders (23.4%) compared to men (14.3%).
The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable, especially with therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can present in various forms, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent worry about everyday life, such as work, health, or finances.
- Phobias: Intense fear of specific situations or objects, like public speaking, spiders, or elevators, even when the actual threat is minimal.
- Panic Disorder: Severe anxiety episodes known as panic attacks, which can cause physical symptoms like shortness of breath, a racing heart, or a sense of impending doom.
Breaking the Anxiety Cycle
One of the reasons anxiety persists is avoidance. Avoiding anxiety-provoking situations might bring temporary relief, but it reinforces the fear in the long run. This creates a cycle that can make anxiety more entrenched and difficult to manage.
For example, parents might try to shield anxious children from stress by avoiding birthday parties or school events. While this may seem helpful in the moment, it reinforces the belief that these situations are “scary” and should be avoided. Over time, this can make anxiety harder to overcome.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Can Help
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. CBT works by helping you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that fuel anxiety.
By changing how you perceive situations, you can alter your emotional responses. As Albert Einstein famously said, “You cannot solve a problem with the same mindset that created it.”
CBT also tends to be relatively short-term, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking practical tools and meaningful results.
Why Seek Professional Help for Anxiety?
While anxiety can feel isolating, you don’t have to face it alone. As a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I can help you:
- Identify the root causes of your anxiety
- Develop tools to change negative thought patterns
- Regain confidence in navigating anxiety-provoking situations
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If anxiety has been holding you back, now is the time to take action. Counseling can empower you to break free from the cycle of worry and regain control of your life.
Contact me today to schedule your first session. Together, we can work toward a calmer, more confident you.
