Sometimes, we can’t help but become hyper focused on a given problem or perceived problem. For example, imagine that you have just applied for a house rental. You’ve turned in all of the requested information, from your social security number to your employment and rental history. Now is the time to wait—only, you lack the patience. You can’t help but worry: “What if they can’t get in touch with my employer? What if another, better applicant swoops in? Did I forget to sign the last page?”
All of the aforementioned concerns are out of your control. And while it’s normal to feel a little worried or concerned during times of uncertainty, sometimes this worry spirals and becomes a more serious problem: anxiety. If you commonly experience out of control worry about a range of events—such as when you’re applying for a new rental or attending a new workout class—you might be dealing with anxiety.
“Anxiety’s like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you very far.” –Jodi Picoult
Don’t worry, there are 40 million adults in the US alone who suffer from anxiety. You are not alone in your struggles, nor are you untreatable! In fact, anxiety disorders are highly treatable. It’s a mere matter of reaching out for help. If you are feeling anxious or exhibiting symptoms of an anxiety disorder, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Brookline, MA for anxiety therapy. We have anxiety therapists, psychologists, and counselors on are staff who would be happy to help you treat your anxiety. Just call (617) 934-1974 to make your appointment when you feel ready.
What Are Anxiety Symptoms? Do I Need Anxiety Help?
It’s completely normal to worry. In fact, it’s in our human nature to worry! However, it’s important that we monitor our worry or anxiety and be sure to reach out for help if it becomes excessive or uncontrollable. To better understand whether you’re experiencing a normal level of worry or if you’re actually experiencing severe anxiety, brush up on the symptoms of anxiety: “Anxiety can look different depending on the person but typical hallmark symptoms of anxiety include physical symptoms (feeling panicky, racing heart, and difficulty breathing) and mental symptoms (difficulty concentrating, recurrent worries or perseverations, and disrupted sleep),” explains Corey Bisceglia-Kane, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker at our Brookline office. Here is a more comprehensive list:
- Out of control worry
- Sense of impending doom
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Racing heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
- Stiff muscles
Are you currently experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis? Perhaps about day to day tasks like driving to work or life events like moving? If the answer is yes, then you might have an anxiety problem on your hands. Remember, this is a common problem to have and it is highly treatable, too. Familiarize yourself with the anxiety symptoms listed above and then reach out to a local counselor or psychologist, such as one from the Thriveworks Counseling in Brookline, MA team. “Therapy can be helpful in managing anxiety in that it gives you a place to talk about your worries which often helps you gain insights into where those worries began and if there is any validity to them,” says Bisceglia-Kane. “In therapy, you can also learn cognitive and behavioral strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety overall and to calm down when you are feeling acutely anxious.”
Anxiety Disorders: What Kind of Anxiety Do I Have?
The most common form of anxiety is generalized anxiety, which detailed above. However, there are other types of anxiety, from social anxiety to panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you are experiencing anxiety related to more specific events or circumstances, you might have one of the following anxiety disorders:
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Social anxiety comes with social events and situations, such as mere gatherings as well as public speeches or presentations.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD is characterized by anxious thoughts, behaviors, and feelings rooted in a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include physical abuse as well as mental abuse, natural disasters, bullying, the loss of a loved one, and more.
- Panic Disorder: Panic disorder comes with an intense fear, as well as physical symptoms such as shortness of breath and a racing heart. A lot of people mistakenly believe that they are having a heart attack instead of a panic attack.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: OCD is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts as well as behaviors that an individual can’t put off.
If you think you might have one of the above anxiety disorders, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider or reach out to a qualified therapist. Thriveworks in Brookline has qualified, caring therapists, counselors, and psychologists who can help you better understand and manage your anxiety, whether you have generalized anxiety, PTSD, or another anxiety disorder.
Work with an Anxiety Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Brookline, MA
Our team knows just how exhausting and crippling anxious thoughts can be. If you are experiencing this uncontrollable worry or symptoms of another anxiety disorder, reach out today to schedule an appointment with one of our anxiety therapists, counselors, or psychologists. We can get you scheduled for an anxiety appointment onsite or in online counseling, too! It’s your choice.
We are dedicated to helping each and every client. We do this by providing personalized treatment and care that fits the individual’s needs. If you’re ready to get started with anxiety therapy at Thriveworks in Brookline, just call (617) 934-1974.
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