Almost everyone experiences nervousness at some point in their life. From feeling anxious about a new job or a big move to nervously wondering whether to ask out the person they admire, feelings of nervousness or anxiousness are a normal part of our lived experience.
But when anxiety impedes normal day-to-day activities, it can become debilitating. Many people find themselves unable to make even the simplest of decisions because of intense anxiety. To add to this, feelings of helplessness and stress often accompany anxiety, causing an even greater sense of distress.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the consistent, persistent worry about everyday events. Unlike the nervousness we may typically feel around events such as public speaking or asking for a raise, GAD makes it difficult to perform even simple tasks without an overwhelming sense of fear and dread. It’s also much more common than many people think.
But generalized anxiety disorder isn’t the only form of anxiety. Other types of anxiety disorders include:
- Panic disorders
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Agoraphobia
Because of the stigma around mental healthcare, many people with anxiety disorders decide not to pursue counseling even though the benefits of therapy may have a positive impact on their lives. But with proper professional treatment and self-care techniques, anxiety can be managed and you can go on to live a fulfilling and happy life.
Your mental and emotional health plays a huge role in your ability to make impactful decisions and navigate day-to-day life. Because of this, it’s important to give feelings of anxiousness the same care and consideration you would give physical ailments such as vision problems, toothaches, or chest pains.
If you have found yourself consumed by feelings of anxiousness and you’re ready to seek anxiety counseling, consider calling the experts at Thriveworks Counseling in Amarillo, TX, to set up a treatment plan.
Common Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
Often coupled with depression, anxiety can make daily tasks difficult to complete. It can make you feel as if every movement and moment deserves constant scrutiny, no matter how major or minor the situation may be.
That’s why physical exhaustion (fatigue) is one of the more common symptoms of the disorder. Some of its other common symptoms include:
- Excessive worrying
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Muscle tensing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Hot flashes
- Excessive sweating
- Panic attacks
The list of symptoms above isn’t comprehensive. Many people experience additional symptoms, including physical ones such as chest pains and body aches.
If you’ve experienced these or any of the other symptoms commonly associated with anxiety, consider reaching out to the professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Amarillo, TX. A specialist will be able to listen to your concerns and create an anxiety counseling plan that suits your needs.
How Licensed Professionals Treat Anxiety
Because anxiety affects different people in different ways, methods of treating anxiety vary depending on the client’s needs and concerns. A professional counselor will be able to recommend possible talk therapy options or medications, as well as self-care steps you can take in between your appointments.
Suggestions may include:
- Getting the recommended hours of sleep. Physical health often goes hand-in-hand with mental well-being, so it’s a good idea to get an appropriate amount of sleep.
- Becoming physically active. Keeping your muscles engaged through movement can help to relieve stress and can be a powerful coping mechanism.
- Practicing meditation. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can have a calming influence on your mental health. Take a moment to breathe deeply.
- Removing caffeine. Caffeine and other stimulants can have a negative impact on your anxiety. Consider removing the substance from your diet.
A licensed professional will be able to prescribe medication and administer various types of therapy in addition to the self-care methods listed above. Exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other therapy options may be used to help alleviate your anxiety symptoms.
Regardless of the treatment method selected, your Thriveworks Counselor in Amarillo, TX will be there to listen to your concerns and to provide counseling services to help get your life back on track.
Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Amarillo, TX
If you’ve been on the lookout for comprehensive therapy for your anxiety, consider reaching out to our expert care providers. At Thriveworks Counseling in Amarillo, TX, we take pride in providing personalized treatment options that focus on relieving your anxiety symptoms.
Weekend and evening sessions are available to give you the flexibility you need, and online counseling via video and phone is also available.
Additional perks include:
- Exclusive video content
- Phone and email access to your counselor between sessions
- Access to a mental health discussion board
- A downloadable eBook
- Online booking and scheduling
- Flexible cancellation policies
Together, you and your counselor can take the necessary steps to reduce your anxiety. Call Thriveworks Counseling in Amarillo, TX to start reaching your mental healthcare goals.