Do you ever find yourself feeling anxious or stressed for no apparent reason? You may be doing homework, folding laundry, or in the middle of a routine meeting when your heart suddenly begins to race and you feel inexplicably worried or afraid.
Stress and anxiety are normal feelings and can be our body’s natural way of stimulating us to get things done or keep us out of danger. It’s common to feel stressed about work or school, and occasional anxiety is not unusual for most adults and even some children. But if anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it may be time to do something about it.
Anxiety does not always go away on its own, and managing anxiety symptoms without help can be difficult. Ignoring signs of anxiety can be dangerous, leading to more serious mental health issues or substance abuse, self-harm, or physical health problems.
If you are experiencing new or worsening anxiety, a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL can help you understand the cause of your anxiety and manage your symptoms.
What Are Common Symptoms of Anxiety?
Anxiety comes in many different forms and can be a different experience for everybody. You may experience psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, or a combination of the two. Whether your anxiety symptoms are triggered by specific events or appear for no obvious reason, they may interfere with your relationships or daily life.
Although anxiety can manifest in various ways, some of the most common signs or symptoms of an anxiety disorder include the following:
- Excessive worrying
- Irrational fear
- Irritability or agitation
- Restlessness
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disruption
- Self-isolation or avoidance
- Panic attacks
- Social anxiety
People with anxiety may experience any combination of these symptoms. Even if your symptoms are mild, anxiety therapy at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL can help you gain control over your thoughts and feelings so they don’t disrupt your life.
What Types of Therapy Can Help With Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders can be overwhelming and affect your ability to think clearly. Left untreated, anxiety symptoms can negatively impact many areas of your life. Your performance at work or school, personal relationships, even your ability to perform basic daily tasks can be affected when anxiety is in control. Fortunately, anxiety counseling can give you the chance to take the reins and regain control of your mental health and your life.
Treating anxiety often involves a combination of therapeutic techniques, and may include therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or prescription medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one of the most common approaches to treating anxiety. There are many different types of talk therapy, and your counselor may recommend one or more therapy styles.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy shown to reduce anxiety. It focuses on the idea that your thoughts directly influence your emotions and behavior. During CBT, you’ll work on understanding negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with more effective thoughts, actions, and coping skills.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a variation of CBT that helps you to accept your anxiety while also actively working to change and overcome it. It can teach you to be more mindful and can teach you ways to identify and manage anxiety symptoms in stressful situations before they spiral out of control.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another form of therapy commonly used to treat anxiety. IPT can be especially helpful if your anxiety disorder is closely tied to your relationships with others. Your therapist or counselor may use IPT to identify and resolve any interpersonal issues you may be experiencing, such as the loss of a loved one, conflict with friends or family, changes in social roles, and other types of relationship issues.
There are many other forms of therapy for anxiety and your provider will choose the one(s) that will be most helpful to you and the specific issues you are facing. Treating your anxiety may take time, but you can rest assured that the licensed professionals at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL are dedicated to sticking by your side throughout the process.
Start With an Anxiety Therapist at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL
If anxiety is interfering with your life or wellbeing, a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL is ready to help right away. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, a counselor can give you the tools you need to overcome them and regain control of your mental health.
Life can be difficult or stressful at times, but getting help for your anxiety doesn’t have to be. Thriveworks makes it easy to schedule an appointment, either by booking online or calling our friendly scheduling team. We also make mental healthcare more accessible by offering online counseling and flexible scheduling. Appointments are available on weekends and in the evenings with 23.5-hour cancellations.
When you are ready, so are we. Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL can connect you right away with a licensed mental health professional who can help you overcome your anxiety and live a happier and healthier life.
