One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
It’s normal to feel stressed out every so often. Maybe you feel nervous before a job interview or a big meeting, or perhaps you get anxious before a first date or a dentist appointment. This is a natural part of life and can even help give you the motivation you need to ask that person out or get the job offer.
But for some people, anxiety is more than an occasional feeling they experience from time to time. Instead, more severe anxiety disorders can become totally overwhelming and make it difficult to function normally in day-to-day life. They may be consumed by anxiety to the point where they avoid social situations, suffer uncomfortable symptoms, or even have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.
If you or someone you know feels like anxiety is getting in the way, it may be time to make an appointment with a mental health professional. Anxiety disorders can be painful but our team at Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA is here to provide the care and support you need.
Anxiety Symptom Checklist
When anxiety symptoms start to interfere with your daily life, it may be an indication that you’re experiencing an anxiety disorder. Here are some of the most common anxiety symptoms people report struggling with:
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Digestive issues
- Decreased libido
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained pain
- Tremors or twitching
- Dizziness
- Rapid breathing
- Nausea
- Headaches
Anxiety symptoms can be both physical and psychological in nature and can range from mild to severe. If you are experiencing any of these anxiety symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us at Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
The symptoms you experience may also differ depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. Some of the most common disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This is characterized by chronic anxiety, worry, and tension, even when there is nothing to provoke these feelings.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is characterized by unreasonable fears (obsessions) that may cause compulsive, repetitive behaviors.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD symptoms — such as nightmares, insomnia, and social isolation — typically stem from a traumatic episode that occurred in a person’s life.
- Panic disorder: People with panic disorder experience recurring panic attacks, which are characterized by the sudden onset of terror, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, and/or sweating.
How Therapy Can Help
The first step a counselor or therapist will take is to talk to you about your problems so they can understand your symptoms and how they are interfering with your life. This will help them customize a sensible treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment options that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Various forms of therapy are often used to help clients address their emotions; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, can help you swap out harmful thought patterns for more helpful ones. Exposure therapy can give you a slow and safe introduction to your fears so you can overcome your phobias under the guidance of a trained professional.
Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA
When you are dealing with anxiety, unnecessary back-and-forths are the last thing you need on your plate. That’s why Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA makes it as easy as possible to get started.
With a few clicks in our booking widget or a quick call to our scheduling team, you can find a time slot that fits with your calendar. We are open early and late throughout the week and even have appointments on weekends. Clients can sometimes be seen by a therapist or counselor the same week as scheduling. Do in-person appointments seem unrealistic given your schedule? Take advantage of our remote therapy appointments by video to start treating your anxiety today without stepping foot outside your home.
If anxiety is taking over your life, it may be time to make a change. Thriveworks in Cedar Rapids, IA offers anxiety counseling services to help manage your symptoms so you can lead a happier, healthier life. Pick up the phone and get started on your path to recovery today.
