Tim has always worried a lot. Since he was a kid, his thoughts have been filled with “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. He’s always thought that being stressed out and nervous most of the time was normal. He’d grown used to doing things like giving himself pep talks before every social occasion and avoiding people or places that made him nervous.
His best friend Todd has always been an easy-going guy — that is, until recently. Todd was laid off from his job unexpectedly. He planned on being at this company for a long time, and his wife is four months pregnant. So far, none of his job leads have panned out, and he spends most of his day worrying about how he’ll support his family. For months, he feels like he’s been crumbling under the weight of his thoughts.
Some people, like Tim, deal with anxiety disorders for much of their life, even if there’s no inciting incident. Other people, like Todd, can trace their anxiety back to a specific event. Though the origins and experiences are different, anxiety can be treated by working with a mental health professional.
Mental health professionals from Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK, can help you overcome your anxiety and live a happier, healthier life. Contact our office today to set up your first appointment.
Causes and Types of Anxiety Disorders
Stress and anxiety are completely normal, but people with anxiety disorders deal with these emotions to an intense degree, often for months or years at a time. Talking themselves down or managing their stress can feel impossible and exhausting, making them dread everyday activities.
Some common signs that you might be dealing with an anxiety disorder include:
- Nervousness, tension, and a feeling of being on-edge
- Feelings of panic and dread without a specific cause
- Intrusive thoughts or concerns
- Racing heartbeat
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Recurring nightmares
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- Trouble feeling present
- Increased anger
You might experience some of these symptoms, or your experience with anxiety might be completely different. There are many anxiety disorders, and here are some of the most common:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This disorder describes people who experience prevalent and near-constant worry that occurs for six months or longer.
- Social anxiety disorder: This disorder causes people to experience irrational fear, anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment in everyday social interactions.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This disorder develops after a person experiences or witnesses an extreme physically or emotionally distressing incident.
- Panic disorder: People with this disorder experience panic attacks and are often anxious about when the next one will occur.
The team of counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Anchorage, AK, can offer the supportive and compassionate care necessary to help reduce anxiety. Call our office today to set up your first session.
Therapy for Anxiety: What To Expect
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and medication, or a combination of the two, are some of the most effective methods for treating anxiety.
People with anxiety are strongly affected by the power of their anxious thoughts, even if those thoughts are not an accurate reflection of reality. In psychotherapy, a therapist or counselor can help you learn how to identify and change these irrational thought patterns. This is a major part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — a form of therapy frequently used to treat anxiety.
Therapists and counselors can also teach you skills to combat your anxiety in your everyday life. This can include practices like meditating, exercising regularly, doing yoga, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep. The guidance of a mental health professional can help you implement these habits in your life.
The specifics of what your sessions involve depends on your unique needs. Your provider from Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK, will take the time to get to know more about your values, your lifestyle, and who you are so they can make a treatment plan that targets your specific issues.
Talk With an Anxiety Specialist at Thriveworks in Anchorage, AK
Are you struggling with feelings of fear and anxiety? We want you to know that help is available. Working with a therapist or counselor from Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK, can help you manage stress and reduce anxiety in your life.
We understand that finding time for mental health care can be difficult. That’s why we offer online sessions over the phone or through a video chat. We also offer evening and weekend sessions, so you can find a time that works for you. We accept many major health insurance plans to help make treatment more affordable.
Anxiety counseling or therapy can help you calm your busy mind and live a happier, healthier life. Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK, today to get started. Our scheduling team will help you set up your first session and answer any questions about the process.
