Do you find yourself endlessly worrying about situations that may never even happen? Do your thoughts favor the worst-case outcome in any given situation? Have you ever stayed home because you were afraid to go out and interact with others? These are all commonly experienced symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety is natural and can even have many benefits, such as alerting you to danger or motivating you to get through a difficult task. While occasional anxiety over stressful situations is a normal and helpful part of life, there is a difference between feeling anxious and experiencing an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is one of the most common forms of mental illness. It is estimated that over a quarter of people in the US alone will struggle with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, a significant portion of those dealing with mental health conditions never get the help they need to feel better.
Seeing a therapist may seem daunting, especially for someone who is dealing with anxiety. There is also a persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues that causes many people to feel like visiting a professional counselor is a sign of weakness.
But there’s no shame in getting support for your mental health just as you would get treatment for a physical illness. If you’re struggling with anxiety and it’s getting in the way of your life, it may be time to seek out help. Experienced counselors are standing by at Thriveworks Counseling in Baton Rouge, LA.
What Are Common Anxiety Symptoms?
Anxiety can take many forms; while there are common symptoms, every individual may experience it in a unique way. One of the most common types of anxiety is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD experience anxiety symptoms on a nearly daily basis for a period of at least six months. This may or may not be related to a specific stressor.
Other individuals experience anxiety more acutely in the form of intense panic attacks. These can be characterized by difficulty breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, chest pains, or an overall feeling of a loss of control.
While there are many types of anxiety, here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in eating patterns
- Intense uncertainty
- Panic attacks
- Muscle tension
- Increased moodiness
- Feelings of restlessness
- Substance abuse
- Feelings of worry or unease
If you’ve been feeling anxiety symptoms for two weeks or more, it may be time to get help. Speaking to a mental health professional at Thriveworks Counseling in Baton Rouge, LA can be the first step towards taking back control of your life.
Getting Help: What to Expect From Anxiety Therapy
When you’re in the middle of feeling anxious, it can be difficult to imagine a way out. However, you’re not alone. Many suffering just like you have reached out to get the help they need. The trained counselors at Thriveworks are here to show you the way.
One of the most powerful types of therapy is called talk therapy. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help to identify negative thought patterns that may be contributing to your anxiety. A mental health counselor may also work with you to develop coping skills so you can begin to tolerate uncomfortable emotions and lessen symptoms. Some clients are also prescribed medication as part of their treatment.
Exposure therapy is another common method therapists use to treat anxiety. If there is a specific trigger that is causing high levels of anxiety, a therapist may slowly expose you to the situation to gradually reduce your negative reaction. A trained anxiety therapist can help you achieve this goal in a careful and helpful way.
During therapy, you may also learn various relaxation techniques to reduce your anxiety, such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises. As a result, many clients find they are able to approach situations that they previously avoided.
Anxiety may feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to control your life. Trained specialists are standing by at Thriveworks Counseling in Baton Rouge, LA to offer the help you need.
Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Baton Rouge, LA
At Thriveworks Counseling, we want to ensure you have access to the mental health services you need to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Online counseling by phone or video makes it easier than ever to improve your mental health even from the comfort of your own home. Evening and weekend sessions are also available and we accept many major insurance plans.
Clients who enroll with Thriveworks enjoy many exclusive benefits. You can reach out to a counselor in between sessions via phone or email if you have questions or concerns. Our mobile app makes billing and scheduling a breeze, and we also offer flexibility when it comes to rescheduling sessions.
You don’t have to let anxiety disorders stop you from living life on your own terms. Schedule an appointment today with a qualified anxiety counselor at Thriveworks Counseling in Baton Rouge, LA.
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