Fear is our body’s way of protecting us from perceived danger. It’s our first defense against bad decisions and precarious situations.
But people with anxiety often feel fear in even normal, everyday activities. This can include the fear of public speaking, crowded spaces, and conflict with loved ones. Consider the two scenarios below:
- Kyle has always wanted to see the world, but his fear of flying has held him back. Lately, it’s gotten so bad that even hearing planes flying overhead causes him to panic.
- Ben loves his children more than anyone or anything else in the world. His sons remind him of his brother, who died when Ben was in middle school. To protect them from the dangers of the outside world, Ben homeschools them, doesn’t let them have sleepovers, and monitors every aspect of their day. What happened to his brother won’t happen to his children if he can help it.
Fear is a normal part of everyday life. But if your fear prevents you from trying new things or makes you afraid to let loved ones out of your sight, it may be time to seek therapy for your anxiety. To begin, contact us at Thriveworks in Bend, OR. We’ll work together to help reduce your anxiety.
The Types and Causes of Anxiety
Although we often use the word anxiety when discussing long-lasting feelings of anxiousness, there are actually many different types of anxiety disorders. Some of the more common types and causes are listed below.
- Panic disorders are characterized by sudden moments of severe distress, called panic attacks, which can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, heavy breathing, and lightheadedness. Stress, illness, genetics, and other factors can contribute to panic disorders.
- Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by the fear that separation from a loved one will have devastating consequences. It’s often experienced by children attending school for the first time or young adults moving away from home. The loss of a loved one can also cause separation anxiety.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by extreme fear caused by a traumatic event you’ve either witnessed or been a part of. Though it’s often associated with soldiers at war, anyone who has experienced a traumatic event can develop PTSD.
- Phobias are the persistent fear of a particular object or situation and can include everything from a fear of heights to a fear of other people. Phobias typically develop when a person has had a negative experience with the thing they’re afraid of.
Dealing with our fears can be challenging but therapy can help alleviate your anxiety symptoms so that you can focus on the things and people that matter most to you.
Why Should I See Someone About My Anxiety?
When anxiety gets in the way of our dreams, normal growth processes, and our everyday life, it may be time to seek the help of a mental health professional.
Therapy can help alleviate your anxiety symptoms and provide order to your life. Your Thriveworks therapist, psychologist, or another provider will use a variety of tools to reduce your anxiety and help you make meaningful decisions based on your goals rather than on your fears.
To get to this step, your therapist may employ different therapeutic techniques such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which encourages you to reconsider the way you address problems and handle the unexpected.
- Interpersonal therapy, which focuses on your interactions with others and can help you resolve relationship issues that may be contributing to your anxiety.
- Exposure therapy, which exposes you to your fears in a safe, controlled environment so that your negative response to your fear or phobia decreases over time.
Your therapist may also ask you to practice at-home techniques to reduce your symptoms, such as journaling, meditation, and self-soothing exercises. You may be asked to avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can sometimes worsen anxiety.
Your fear does not have to stop you from living your very best life. Let our expert providers help you on your journey to mental wellness. Treating your anxiety begins with your first appointment at Thriveworks in Bend, OR.
Book Therapy Sessions for Your Anxiety at Thriveworks in Bend, OR
People with anxiety are often hesitant to pursue professional help because they believe they ought to be able to address their issues alone. But no one ever truly does anything alone. We depend on one another to help us meet goals, fight illnesses, and live our lives to their fullest potential.
Reaching out for anxiety counseling is no different. We’re committed to offering you convenient care at Thriveworks. Our therapists, counselors, and other professionals are available online via phone and video. We offer weekend and evening classes as well as online video content and a moderated message board.
If you’re a new client, we may even be able to see you within the next 24-48 hours. We accept different insurance providers and our generous cancellation policy gives you plenty of time to reschedule your appointment should something come up.
Therapy for anxiety exists, and it can open up your world. Call us today at Thriveworks in Bend, OR to schedule an appointment.
