We all know that feeling you get before an important meeting or a first date. Maybe you experience jitters or butterflies in your stomach. Perhaps you have a tendency to replay scenarios over and over in your head and think about the worst-case scenario. Or maybe you have trouble getting to sleep or experience uncomfortable GI issues.
Whatever the case may be, the feeling usually passes and you can get back to your normal daily routine. But for people with anxiety disorders, those feelings don’t ever really go away. Instead, the symptoms persist and can interfere with everyday situations and daily activities. People with anxiety may even avoid certain situations and places entirely as a way of preventing symptoms from arising in the first place.
If you’re experiencing anxiety symptoms that are making it difficult to live the life you want to lead, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. These types of mental health issues are extremely common and are treatable under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional. To get started, consider making an appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Chicago, IL.
Types and Causes of Anxiety
While some people worry more than others, those with an anxiety disorder may experience symptoms on a daily or near-daily basis. These symptoms may be psychological in nature (like racing thoughts), physiological (nausea), or both. Symptoms can vary from person to person and can even change over time.
Some typical anxiety symptoms include:
- Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, or tension
- A sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Panic attacks
- Sweating or trembling
- Trouble concentrating
- Ruminating thoughts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea or GI issues
- Substance abuse
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms and they are making it hard to live your normal life, consider seeking out anxiety counseling from Thriveworks in Chicago, IL. Our team of licensed counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists is here to help get your worries and fears under control.
How Anxiety Therapy Can Help
There are several main types of anxiety disorders, from phobias and social anxiety disorder to panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Since your experience with anxiety may differ from your neighbor’s, anxiety treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, your provider will typically use one or more forms of therapy to address your concerns and mitigate symptoms.
One form of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of counseling that teaches you how to identify and understand your harmful thought patterns so you can adjust them in ways that make you feel less anxious.
Another form of therapy used to treat anxiety is called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which utilizes strategies of acceptance and mindfulness as a way to cope with unwanted thoughts, feelings, and sensations. A trained therapist will work with you to develop the coping skills to accept experiences as they arise and commit to changing behavior.
Other types of therapy include exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy. In addition to talk therapy, some people with anxiety also benefit from prescription medication while others benefit from relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, and self-care habits.
Your licensed professional will determine the best course of action to suit your needs. No matter what form of anxiety you have, treatment can help you reduce symptoms and lead a happy, healthy, and productive life. Consider reaching out to us at Thriveworks in Chicago, IL to make an in-person or online appointment.
Talk With a Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Chicago, IL
You don’t have to let constant worry erode your relationships and your happiness. Our mental health experts are equipped to help you manage your symptoms and get back to living the life you love.
You can easily schedule a therapy session, either in-person or online, by clicking our booking widget or calling our scheduling team. We won’t put you on a waitlist and new clients can often see a therapist or counselor within 48 hours of contacting us. We also make ourselves available in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate your schedule, not the other way around.
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans and provides a number of exciting benefits, including
- Provider access between appointments
- Ask-a-coach Q&A service with 24-hour responses
- Online community forums moderated by licensed professionals
- Mobile support for billing queries
- Therapy Buddy app access
Feeling a little anxiety before an important job interview or the first time you meet your partner’s parents is totally normal. But you shouldn’t have to struggle with anxiety symptoms on a daily or near-daily basis. When you’re ready to make a change, contact Thriveworks Counseling in Chicago, IL to schedule an appointment with a licensed counselor or therapist.
