Do you know what anxiety feels like? Anxiety is what you experience when racing thoughts take over. Anxiety describes that out-of-control worry and fear that you can’t shake no matter how hard you try. Anxiety can be normal in certain situations that warrant this worry, stress, and fear. But it can also be an indication of a bigger problem.
Anxiety disorders are a category of mental illness, which is characterized by these racing, uncontrollable thoughts. When one has an anxiety disorder, their anxiety or stress is out of proportion to the actual event.
If you experience anxiety on a daily basis, in a range of circumstances or more specific circumstances, it’s important that you consult a mental health professional. Counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists are trained to assess and treat people who suffer from anxiety. At Thriveworks Counseling in Bedford, NH, our professionals aren’t just trained and experienced, they are compassionate providers too.
Thriveworks would be honored to help you. Anxiety therapy has proven to help people understand the roots of their anxiety and better manage their symptoms. This involves opening up about your thoughts and feelings so that your therapist can help you get them under control again. If you’d like to schedule an anxiety therapy appointment, call Thriveworks in Bedford, NH today.
Anxiety Symptoms and Disorders
Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders in the world. Aside from worry, fear, and stress, common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Lack of focus
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Sleep disturbances
- Hypervigilance
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Trembling
- Feeling of impending doom
Now, there are different types of anxiety. These include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Let’s take a closer look at each of these anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD is the everyday anxiety that can be triggered by a variety of events and interferes with day to day life. It is characterized by those excessive thoughts that are negative in nature.
- Social anxiety disorder: This is another widespread anxiety disorder. As signified by its name, social anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety that’s felt in social environments or interactions.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is another type of anxiety, one that you’ve probably heard of or are familiar with. OCD is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and compulsions. Many people with OCD have the excessive need to clean and organize, due to their fear of germs.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after traumatic experiences. This disorder can come with nightmares, flashbacks, and other harmful anxiety symptoms.
The above are common. If you are experiencing symptoms of any which anxiety disorder, be sure to talk to a mental health professional. Remember, we have therapists and counselors who specialize in helping people with anxiety and stress.
Anxiety Therapy: How Does It Work?
Therapy for anxiety offers a successful way forward. Often, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used, as this involves identifying, understanding, and working through thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. Cognitive distortions include:
- All or nothing thinking
- Jumping to conclusions
- Emotional reasoning
- Overgeneralization
These can cause or exacerbate anxiety. Fortunately, a therapist can help you correct these and, in turn, reduce your anxiety. They can use other forms of anxiety and therapy techniques as well.
Schedule an Appointment for Anxiety Therapy at Thriveworks in Bedford, NH
The onset or development of anxiety can feel scary and leave you wondering what to do. We have an answer for you: Reach out to a mental health professional. A mental health professional can offer understanding, help, guidance, and support.
At Thriveworks, we have therapists, counselors, and psychologists who specialize in this area of mental health. They have studied this disorder and they know how to treat those who suffer from it. So, if you have developed any symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or another anxiety disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We can offer both in-person and online counseling appointments. You can choose whichever you prefer and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.
