Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues experienced by millions of people worldwide. It can begin in childhood, and it affects people of any ethnicity, gender, or background.
Anxiety disorders can range in severity, from mildly disruptive symptoms to severe conditions that interrupt your ability to lead a happy life. Anxiety can influence the way you feel or think at any given time and can even interfere with the completion of basic tasks or daily activities.
People with anxiety aren’t always aware of their condition and may dismiss their symptoms or hope they go away on their own. Unfortunately, ignoring anxiety often makes it worse. Symptoms can intensify over time and even lead to more serious mental health problems down the line.
Treating anxiety is possible with the help of a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional. Anxiety can be a lifelong issue, but with the right tools, techniques, and some support from Thriveworks in Iowa City, IA, you can learn how to manage your anxiety and live a happier, healthier life.
What Types of Anxiety Are There?
There are many different forms of anxiety, and anxiety symptoms are different for everybody. Anxiety symptoms like excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating are common — but they’re also characteristic of other conditions or disorders. Anxiety can also accompany other mental health issues, making it difficult to diagnose without professional assistance.
Anxiety symptoms range in severity and duration of presentation, depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. You might experience fear or extreme stress constantly, or only in specific situations. A therapist or counselor can help you assess your symptoms and determine which anxiety disorder you have.
Some common types of anxiety include the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Perinatal or postpartum anxiety
- Specific phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety
If you are suffering from any of these specific conditions, or you’re unsure of what is causing your anxiety symptoms, consider speaking with a mental health professional at Thriveworks in Iowa City, IA. Feeling anxious doesn’t have to keep you from living your life.
Should I Pursue Anxiety Counseling?
If you have ever had intense or disruptive feelings of anxiety or a constant worry that keeps you up at night, anxiety counseling might be right for you. Symptoms of anxiety usually start out as mild but become more intense with time. Treating anxiety symptoms in their early stages can often be highly effective and prevent more serious issues from arising.
While anxiety disorders might not go away completely, therapy for anxiety can make your condition more tolerable and keep it from interfering with your daily life. Different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or exposure therapy can help you better understand your condition and its causes. Therapy or counseling can also help you learn ways to control the onset of anxiety symptoms.
In addition to talk therapy, your therapist may recommend other therapeutic techniques or lifestyle adjustments. Breathing exercises, journaling, or meditation can help reduce anxiety while avoiding alcohol or caffeine can also help prevent the onset of symptoms. Certain prescription medications can help control your anxiety symptoms and are often incredibly beneficial when combined with other therapies.
Therapy for anxiety can help you overcome your symptoms and have other positive effects on your life. You may find that you can build and maintain more meaningful relationships, problem solve effectively, and attain greater satisfaction in your personal and professional life.
There is no wrong time to seek help for anxious thoughts or emotions, especially if they become extreme or disruptive. A therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Iowa City, IA, may be able to see you in as little as 24 to 48 hours and begin working toward a solution for your anxiousness right away.
Schedule Your Therapy for Anxiety at Thriveworks in Iowa City, IA
If anxiety, fear, or worry are keeping you from getting the most out of life, anxiety counseling can help you regain control of your mental health and return to the things you love. Thriveworks Counseling in Iowa City, IA, makes it easy to access the care you need to improve and maintain your mental health.
When you join the Thriveworks family, you can look forward to the following benefits:
- Online counseling available via phone or video chat
- Weekend, evening, and morning appointments
- Many insurance plans accepted
- Access to your provider between appointments by phone or email
- Exclusive online video chat
- 24-hr ask-a-coach Q&A
- Counselor-moderated discussion boards
If you are ready to regain control of your mental health and leave anxiety behind, consider beginning therapy for anxiety at Thriveworks in Iowa City, IA. Our providers are eager to meet you and help you take the next step in living a less stressful life. Call our office today to get started.
