Feelings of anxiety are common and can occasionally even be constructive. Anxiety can serve as a warning signal from your body that something is wrong. You know because your stomach churns, your palms sweat, and your heart races.

But anxiety also can be a serious medical condition — as real as diabetes or heart disease. It can cause debilitating symptoms, affect your relationships, and diminish your quality of life. Fortunately, anxiety can also be treatable with the right help. Many people with anxiety have addressed their symptoms through counseling, including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Steven Colbert, and Emma Stone.

Perhaps you are looking for ways to treat your anxiety. At Thriveworks in Arnold, MO, our mental health professionals can guide you through the roots of your anxiety symptoms to help you better understand their causes and possible treatment options. We take anxiety seriously and are dedicated to helping you learn how to reduce your anxiety symptoms.

What Are Common Anxiety Signs and Symptoms?

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental disorders in the country. However, people can experience anxiety in different ways — some may feel dizzy or tired while others may feel their chest tightening or their stomach churning.

Other symptoms might include the following:

• Constant, excessive worry
• A sensation of heart racing or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain
• Unexplained sweating
• Sleeplessness
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of appetite
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety

Anxiety disorders do not always have one simple cause; they could be linked to your brain chemistry, personality type, or traumatic events you’ve experienced in the past. To understand the symptoms you’re facing, consider speaking with a licensed counselor or therapist at Thriveworks in Arnold, MO.

Getting Help: What To Expect From Anxiety Therapy

First, know that anxiety disorders can be treatable with the right help. Our licensed counselors have experience diagnosing and treating various mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as other more severe disorders.

Your mental health professional will work with you to create the right treatment plan for your needs. This may include one or more types of talk therapy, prescription medication, or a combination of the two. Your Thriveworks counselor will determine whether one or both courses are helpful for you.

Some of the more popular forms of therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is among the most established methods of treatment. It seeks to identify and change your negative thought patterns so you can replace them with more effective, helpful ones.
• Exposure therapy: For clients who struggle with fears or phobias, exposure therapy can help lessen their impact over time. You’ll be exposed to the objects or situations that cause you fear, in small ways at first and then gradually working your way up.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT teaches clients how to tackle their problems directly with skills such as self-acceptance, mindfulness, and cognitive defusion.

Other types of therapy include interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and art therapy. You may also learn various relaxation techniques during your sessions, including deep breathing and meditation skills. When you’re ready to start anxiety counseling, consider making an appointment at Thriveworks in Arnold, MO.

Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Arnold, MO

People with an anxiety disorder may experience anxiety symptoms occasionally, frequently, or even every day. Some are able to cope on their own but when anxiety counseling becomes necessary, Thriveworks is here to help. We start by making your experience as stress-free as possible.

Scheduling an appointment is easy. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks offer convenient evening and weekend sessions to fit your schedule.

Are you uncomfortable discussing your issues at an in-person appointment at first? We offer virtual visits by phone or video to meet your needs and comfort level so you can speak with a provider without leaving home.

Thriveworks accepts many major insurance plans and offers additional benefits, such as community discussions and tutorials offering information and inspiration. Further benefits include the following:

• Advice available by phone or mail
• A flexible cancellation policy
• Life coaching
• A phone app to enhance your counseling experience
• Free access to our eBook, “Leaving Depression Behind”

Anxiety can prevent you from living your best life but help is available. When you’re ready to manage your symptoms and reduce your anxiety, call for an appointment at Thriveworks in Arnold, MO.