Everyone deals with day-to-day stresses and worries. Someone might say they’re anxious for a class presentation. Someone else might say they feel anxious to interview for a job. But it’s important to recognize that feeling nervous in certain situations and experiencing an anxiety disorder are two very different things.
The person worried about the class presentation might have trouble standing still and stammer once or twice but once the presentation is over, they’ll likely move on with their life and be grateful to forget the whole thing.
If the same person had an anxiety disorder, forgetting the whole thing would feel nearly impossible. They’d likely replay every part of that presentation in their head not just for the rest of the day, but for weeks. Even years later, the presentation might pop into their head and they’d still agonize over an event that had little to no effect on their life.
The person nervous about their job interview might prepare and stay a little nervous but know that ultimately, they’ll go in and try their best. The person with an anxiety disorder might do nothing but think about this opportunity. At night, they might have trouble sleeping, imagining the worst possible scenario for that interview over and over. Even if they do great and get the job, they could still experience a feeling of impending doom.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, all of which can be disruptive in your daily life. Dealing with anxiety isn’t easy but it’s important to know you’re not alone. If you’re ready to learn how to cope with anxiety, our therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Bismarck, ND are here to help you.
Common Causes and Types of Anxiety
While there are multiple different kinds of anxiety disorders, the term anxiety is most often used to refer to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which affects millions of adults per year. GAD often develops gradually and can arise from biological factors, family background, and other life experiences.
Regardless of your anxiety disorder, specific symptoms might include:
- Experiencing a constant sense of impending doom
- Feeling a lack of control
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble falling and staying asleep
- Feeling on edge or irritable
- Muscle tension
- Panic attacks
Usually, experiencing three or more symptoms indicates that you might be dealing with GAD. Some other common anxiety disorders are social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If you have any questions or concerns, our Thriveworks therapists in Bismarck, ND can help you better understand what you’re experiencing and help keep it from interfering with your day-to-day life.
What To Expect From Anxiety Therapy Appointments
Anxiety feeds off you feeling out of control but the good news is, treating anxiety is very possible. Our providers are ready to give you the anxiety counseling that can put you back in the driver’s seat of your mental health.
Therapy for anxiety can include talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of the two. What treatment you receive will depend on what individualized treatment plan your therapist or counselor develops for you. Thriveworks therapists will do this by taking the time to speak with you about your needs, values, challenges, and goals, as well as any other concerns you may have. To reduce anxiety, we believe that fostering a safe and trusting environment where you can speak openly is absolutely essential.
Outside of therapy, people with anxiety can benefit from mindfulness activities that ground them in the present moment, like meditation. Your therapist might teach you about meditation or other practices like breathing exercises, coping skills, stress management techniques, and physical exercise that you can incorporate into your life.
Our goal is to make sure that whether you’re in a therapy session or going about your day, you feel like you have the care and resources to support your mental wellbeing. When you’re ready to begin, contact us at Thriveworks in Bismarck, ND.
Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Bismarck, ND
At Thriveworks, we believe that everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. We want to help you manage your anxiety so you can feel present in your own life. With just a call or a few clicks, we can make this a reality. With affordable rates and appointments available in the mornings, evenings, and weekends, your first session is within reach.
If you schedule today, we might even be able to accommodate an in-person or remote therapy appointment with a provider within 48 hours. You’ll also gain access to exclusive resources, like a counselor-moderated online forum, a text support line, phone and email support, and special video content.
You don’t need to feel alone with your anxiety any longer. At Thriveworks in Bismarck, ND, our licensed professionals will be here with you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment today.
