Anxiety is something we’ve all experienced. Not only is it a normal human emotion, but it is also necessary from a survival perspective. Anxiety and fear help us perform at our best and act swiftly in a crisis.
However, it’s easy for these feelings to become misplaced. If you’re avoiding social situations, experiencing anxiety attacks, or are having trouble falling asleep, these are all signs you may have an anxiety disorder.
People suffering from anxiety can find themselves scared of new situations — trying new things, meeting new people, and taking chances. It can even make you nervous to reach out for help from a professional counselor or therapist. But anxiety is extremely common and our mental health professionals understand what you’re going through.
At Thriveworks Counseling, we have helped countless people overcome their symptoms and get the most out of life. If you’re struggling with anxiety, we’re here to help at Thriveworks in Idaho Falls, ID.
Symptoms To Keep an Eye Out For
No two people with anxiety experience it in exactly the same way. However, anxiety disorders are characterized by many common symptoms. Here are a few examples:
- General feelings of unease
- Panic attacks
- Increased heart rate
- Increased agitation and irritability
- Fatigue
- Social isolation
- Excessive worrying
- Changes in eating patterns
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
One of the most common types of anxiety disorders is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD may experience multiple symptoms for two years or more. If you experience excessive worrying and unease on a nearly daily basis, you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.
While GAD may be experienced over a long period with relatively mild symptoms, panic disorder can be the opposite. This form of anxiety is characterized by severe episodes of panic attacks. These are chemical misfires triggering your body’s fight-or-flight reflexes in an inappropriate situation. This can be frightening, leaving you feeling as if you’re about to pass out, lose control or have a heart attack.
Social anxiety is another common form of anxiety where you intensely worry about being judged by others or embarrassed in front of them. This can cause you to avoid many common social situations including parties, work events, and even daily errands.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, you can find helpful and compassionate guidance at Thriveworks Counseling in Idaho Falls, ID.
Getting Help: What To Expect From Anxiety Therapy
Taking the first step towards getting help with a mental or emotional disorder can be scary. However, it’s important to remember that anxiety is a common disorder and there are many effective treatment options including medication and talk therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is among the most common types of therapy used to treat anxiety. The mind is incredibly powerful and intense feelings of anxiety can be the product of our own thought processes. Many clients take this for granted and are surprised to learn how impactful their thoughts can be on their symptoms. By verbalizing these thoughts with a trained counselor, it is easier to identify problematic patterns and work towards developing healthier mental habits.
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a specific type of CBT. While CBT is focused on recognizing harmful thought patterns, DBT is focused more on changing behaviors to more effectively regulate intense emotions.
If your anxiety is centered around a particular phobia or trauma, your therapist may recommend exposure therapy. This involves developing a plan to expose yourself, slowly and under guidance, to situations you typically avoid so you can retrain your reactions and minimize your fear response.
When you work with a therapist, you may also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualization skills. These can help you reduce the symptoms you feel on a daily basis and better equip you to face challenges ahead as you move toward your long-term goals.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of anxiety therapy, licensed counselors and therapists are standing by at Thriveworks Counseling in Idaho Falls, ID.
Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Idaho Falls, ID
Getting help with mental and emotional problems may not feel easy, especially when you’re already suffering from anxiety. That is why we strive to eliminate all barriers between you and access to high-quality mental health care. At Thriveworks, we are often able to offer same-day or next-day appointments and even have time slots available in the evenings and weekends.
After you become a client of Thriveworks , you can begin taking advantage of our exclusive benefits. These include:
- Flexible rescheduling and cancellations
- App-based billing and scheduling solutions
- Counselor access by email or phone between appointments
- Ask-a-coach 24-hour Q&A
- Community discussion boards
- Exclusive video content
Dealing with anxiety symptoms can feel overwhelming but help is available. Speak to a mental health professional today at Thriveworks Counseling in Idaho Falls, ID.
