We all grow anxious from time to time. We worry about doing well in school, landing a promotion at work, or keeping our families safe and happy. In these situations, some anxiety is entirely normal and even helpful.
For some people, anxiousness can become overwhelming — when our worries overpower us and we’re unable to perform simple tasks. If this describes your day-to-day experience, you might be living with an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental illnesses globally, with millions of people experiencing them every year in the United States alone. Anxiety can be exhausting, but it does not have to rule over your life. We want you to know that support is available.
Psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals can help you manage your anxiety. If you want to work with a mental health professional, consider calling our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CA.
How Does Anxiety Affect Different People?
Anxiety usually looks different for everyone, and your experience with an anxiety disorder is unique to you. Anxiety impacts people in different ways. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including:
- General anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD can create a persistent worry that something is wrong or will go wrong. People with GAD can have trouble with everyday tasks because of their anxiety. This disorder may be caused by trauma, personality, or genetics.
- Phobias: Phobias are intense, irrational fears that are typically caused by a specific person, place, thing, or event. They can range from a fear of heights to a fear of spiders or a fear of being in enclosed spaces. Most phobias are the result of past traumatic interactions with the stressor.
- Panic disorder: People with panic disorder experience panic attacks — periods of abrupt, powerful, and consuming fear. Attacks can include symptoms such as elevated heart rate, sweating, and changes in body temperature.
- Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety disorder is the fear of social interactions. People with this disorder may have difficulties giving speeches, riding public transportation, or going to a crowded mall. Genetics and past traumas can play a role in the development of social anxiety disorder.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): This is the overwhelming desire to complete a task or ritual in a repetitive, orderly way. OCD can include counting things in certain intervals, washing your hands repeatedly, or other obsessive behaviors.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is caused by witnessing or being part of a traumatic event. While often associated with military service, PTSD can occur in people involved in car accidents, people who have survived home invasions, and others.
Our mental health professionals can address the symptoms of anxiety and help you move forward. Even if you don’t see your specific symptoms listed here, a provider can still help you manage your situation. Call our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in Fairfield, CA, to get started.
Treatments Available for Anxiety
People with anxiety often feel isolated because people around them may not have the same level of fear or concern about a phobia, event, or other stressful situation. But the emotions you’re feeling are valid, and a psychiatrist or other professional can help you manage your anxiety.
Your provider will meet with you to review your anxiety symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your concerns. Your treatment may consist of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or other forms of treatment, such as exposure therapy.
Additionally, your treatment plan might include anti-anxiety medication. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to their clients, and other mental health professionals can work with a psychiatrist to facilitate a prescription as needed. Mental health medications can help reduce the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, making it easier to manage your anxiety.
If you’re interested in treatment for anxiety, call or use our online booking now to connect with a Thriveworks therapist or counselor in Fairfield, CA.
Schedule Your First Appointment at Thriveworks in Fairfield, CA
Our skilled and compassionate therapists and counselors are here to help you take charge of your mental health. New clients can often see a provider within 24-48 hours of reaching out. Our simple booking system takes the hassle out of planning your sessions. We also pride ourselves on accepting many different forms of health insurance.
We offer appointments virtually as well, through phone calls and video chats. For your convenience, there are therapists and counselors available for weekend and evening sessions. You’ll have access to your provider between scheduled sessions using email or phone, and flexible cancellations and rescheduling services mean you don’t have to worry when life gets in the way.
If you’re ready to manage your stress and get back to enjoying life, make an appointment at Thriveworks in Fairfield, CA. Give us a call or reach out via our scheduling tool. We look forward to seeing you soon.