According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million adults experience anxiety each year. This accounts for general day to day anxiety as well as more specific anxiety disorders from social anxiety to panic disorder, agoraphobia, and many others. These differ in more ways than one, but they are all rooted in an excessive fear or worry. And they all come with potentially crippling effects.
These crippling effects include an inability to control the worry, irritability, difficulty focusing, muscle tension, and sleep problems. Additionally, those who struggle with anxiety often struggle to complete day to day tasks: going to work, joining friends for dinner, or leaving the house at all. In essence, anxiety can change life as you know it. But the good news is that there is effective treatment out there.
“The greatest weapon is our ability to
choose one thought over another.”
–William James
Anxiety counseling at Thriveworks Midlothian in Chesterfield, VA can help you to manage your anxiety and learn to live a happy, healthy life again. Our anxiety counselors, therapists, and psychologists are equipped with skills and experience essential to your succeeding on this journey. So, if you’re experiencing anxiety of any degree, reach out to Thriveworks Midlothian. They’ll help you take your life back today.
Do I Have an Anxiety Disorder? What Are the Symptoms?
As mentioned above, there are different kinds of anxiety disorders, which come with various symptoms. That said, generalized anxiety is the most common form of anxiety—those with this form of anxiety are anxious more days than not, for at least 6 months straight, about a variety of events. For example: someone who worries excessively about their job, health, and kids. These individuals often experience a combination of the following symptoms:
- They can’t control their anxiety/excessive worrying
- They feel restless or tire quickly
- They have a hard time concentrating
- They become irritable
- They develop muscle tension
- They have trouble sleeping
Many individuals grow frustrated, as they can’t or don’t understand why they feel so anxious. But the thing is that the cause is often unclear. It can have to do with biological factors as well as environmental factors. For example, one might be genetically prone to develop anxiety, or they might become anxious after experiencing an anxiety-provoking event.
In any case, an anxiety counselor at Thriveworks Midlothian in Chesterfield can help you get your anxiety under control. They will help you master techniques for managing anxious thoughts and responding well to anxiety-provoking situations.
How Does Anxiety Counseling Work?
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a common and effective method of treatment for anxiety disorders. This approach focuses on changing negative thoughts and thinking patterns, which will help to reduce or improve anxiety. For instance, CBT can help someone with generalized anxiety to realize that worrying about work each day isn’t helpful. A CBT counselor can also help someone with a specific phobia (such as an intense fear of spiders) understand that they rarely come into contact with spiders—and when they do, the spiders are harmless.
Furthermore, your Thriveworks anxiety counselor can help you accept the following, which will supplement the work you complete in and outside of the therapy room:
- Worrying is normal. It’s important to recognize that we all worry—we worry about catching that flight on time, getting the kids ready for school, bombing that presentation at work, etc. Accept this reality, and you’ll find yourself relaxing soon enough.
- You have control. Sometimes, it’s hard to control our thoughts or think positive thoughts over the negative thoughts. However, we are able to do so if we put the work in. Your counselor will offer helpful tips for doing so, of which could include exercising, journaling, or practicing mindfulness.
Schedule an Anxiety Counseling Session at Thriveworks Midlothian in Chesterfield
Are you looking for Chesterfield therapy for anxiety? Thriveworks employs skilled, caring providers who care about making a difference in your life. If you are struggling with anxiety, they want to know so that they can help. So, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of anxiety, call Thriveworks Midlothian today. A scheduling specialist will help you set up an appointment with a counselor, therapist, or psychologist who has the expertise and experience to best assist you in handling your anxiety.
Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +7 more 
