Exposure therapy: What does it treat, and how does it work? by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Sep 15, 2023 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics Throughout our lives, we will all face certain amounts of anxiety and fear. However, when anxiety and fear begin to control someone’s life, even keeping them from going to different places or participating in certain experiences, therapeutic intervention may be necessary. When someone is plagued by intense anxiety in safe,…
A guide to anxiety therapy by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Aug 22, 2023 | Anxiety, Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Anxiety is a common and natural human response that can sometimes become overwhelming—impacting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s that flutter of unease before a big event or the cautious concern for a loved one’s well-being. However, for some, anxiety takes on a life of its own, leading to persistent…
Illness anxiety disorder: What is hypochondria? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jun 1, 2023 | Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics How many of us have felt suddenly unwell for a time, and out of concern, googled our symptoms? Later on, when we’re better, we might feel a little bit embarrassed that we were so concerned—maybe our mysterious symptoms were all in our heads. Experiencing this fear of illness or disease…
Generalized anxiety disorder: Symptoms and effective treatment options by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | May 22, 2023 | Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will affect nearly seven million adults in the U.S. each year. Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder often have difficulties controlling even the most mundane of daily worries. They may worry more than is realistically necessary about actual events or expect the worst outcome when there seems…
Agoraphobia guide: Symptoms, triggers, and treatment by Christine Ridley, LCSW | May 15, 2023 | Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Fear is built into our biology. In fact, it keeps us safe — alerting us to danger and saying, “Hey, you need to be careful.” A phobia, on the other hand, is an excessive or irrational fear. If you experience intense fear and anxiety in public, open, or enclosed spaces—such…
Separation anxiety disorder: Signs, causes, treatment, & more by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | May 12, 2023 | Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics As toddlers and young children, we quickly and naturally form strong emotional bonds with our parents or caretakers. As a result, being apart from them at an early age is often accompanied by a level of anxiety. These feelings of distress are a normal stage of childhood development—but sometimes, our…
Social anxiety disorder: An informative guide to social phobia by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | May 7, 2023 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics Most of us aren’t exactly thrilled about having to give a presentation to our entire company. We might feel slightly awkward having to make small talk with a stranger. Perhaps we get the jitters before a blind date. But we’ll still complete that presentation, engage in chit-chat, and go out…
Panic disorder: How to identify symptoms and find treatment by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP | May 3, 2023 | Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Imagine that you’re going about your morning as usual – making coffee, feeding the cat, tidying the bedroom – when your chest starts to hurt. The pain quickly mounts. Within minutes you’re drenched in sweat and you feel as if you’re suffocating. You close your eyes and try to take…
Are stress and anxiety the same? What’s the difference? by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Apr 21, 2023 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics, Stress We often use “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably, to describe intense worry or emotional distress. But in reality, there are distinct differences between the two—for example, one is considered a healthy emotion that can be beneficial, while the other is considered an unhealthy emotion that is all-around harmful. Let’s explore these…
Anger and anxiety: Understanding the connection, and how to process what you’re feeling by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Mar 22, 2023 | Anger Management, Anxiety, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Anxiety and anger are common emotional states that many of us experience—sometimes daily. But when we’re unable to manage the intensity of these emotions, they might transform into chronic issues. This means that it’s important to think through the causes of anxiety and anger, as well as how to prevent…
What are some helpful journal prompts for anxiety and depression? The benefits of journaling and 5 journaling prompts for mental health by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Feb 21, 2023 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics, Self-Care Journaling is a powerful tool. It serves as an outlet, allowing us to express our emotions and process our thoughts without fear of judgment — there is no need or temptation to censor ourselves when we’re writing to and for nobody but ourselves. What a gift. And yet, for some,…
Waking up with anxiety: Why it happens, and how to enjoy a less stressful morning by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Feb 9, 2023 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics As you wake up, your heart is pounding and thoughts are racing through your head. No coffee, no shower, and your feet haven’t even left the bed… yet you’re waking up with anxiety. But why? Sometimes a bad day starts with waking up on the wrong side of the bed,…