We all experience moments of anxiousness throughout our lives. But how can we distinguish our occasional worries from anxiety disorders, especially when anxiety looks different for different people?
Consider the scenarios below:
- Amy loves being active and often works out in her home gym. When spring rolls around, she decides she wants to try exercising outside for the first time. She buys a pair of roller skates and safety equipment and heads to her local trail. But once there, she cannot bring herself to even put on her skates. The park is filled with people, and the thought of skating in front of them terrifies her. What if they laugh at her? What if she falls and no one helps her? Before long, she’s breathing heavily and sweating in her workout clothes. She feels dizzy, faint, and nauseous. When someone asks her if she’s alright, she leaves without saying a word.
- Rory’s husband of fifteen years passes away unexpectedly. She and her husband used to go on vacations, to the movies, and out shopping with their two kids. But after his death, Rory has felt nervous going out. She refuses to let her children attend sleepovers, summer camps, or any other overnight events. She walks them to school each morning and picks them up promptly at three each afternoon. She worries about them constantly in the hours in between. What if something happens to them? How can she protect them from the outside world?
- Marcello has walked five miles to and from work for the past five years. He owns a car, and he used to drive himself to work. But after his car accident, he’s been anxious about driving again. In fact, being inside any enclosed vehicle — cars, trains, buses, and planes — causes him to panic. He trembles, and there’s always a sharp pain in his chest. He feels trapped.
Anxiety, unlike occasional feelings of anxiousness, is the persistent and overwhelming feeling of fear. Even when anxiety has specific triggers — people, the outside world, enclosed spaces — it is almost always accompanied by nervousness that is disproportionate to the perceived threat.
There are many types of anxiety disorders. Some may suffer from social anxiety disorder like Amy, separation anxiety disorder like Rory, or agoraphobia like Marcello. But regardless of the type of anxiety you may be experiencing, there is treatment available.
A licensed therapist has the skills and experience needed to manage your anxiety symptoms. If you would like to reduce your anxiety and get your life back on track, consider talking to a team member at Thriveworks in Salem, OR.
How Do I Know if I’m Experiencing Anxiety?
Anxiety usually falls into six or so categories: panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobias (social anxiety disorder), separation anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The specifics of each disorder vary but there are general symptoms that are common between types. Some common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Trouble focusing
- Persistent worrying
- Sweating or chills
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Uneasiness
- Trouble breathing
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Changes in eating habits
You may experience some or all of the symptoms listed above. Anxiety triggers different responses in different people so it’s a good idea to reach out for help if you’re experiencing anxiety that is interfering with your ability to live your life.
Anxiety is treatable. With the right tools, you can reduce your anxiety and focus on the things that matter to you. If you’d like more information on anxiety counseling, please contact us at our Thriveworks office in Salem, OR.
What Can Anxiety Therapy Do for Me?
We all have our struggles. Anxiety is a common illness, one that’s treatable with time, patience, and continued support. A licensed therapist can provide the structure and experience you need to make a change in your life.
Therapy for anxiety may include a combination of different treatment options. Your provider may recommend exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other techniques to help you manage your symptoms. You may be asked to complete assessments and out-of-office assignments to help you cope.
Your therapist or counselor will create your treatment plan after speaking with you to learn more about the type and severity of your symptoms. Whatever plan is selected, you can expect compassionate care from our team.
If you believe you could benefit from speaking to a professional therapist, please consider contacting us at Thriveworks in Salem, OR.
Begin Anxiety Therapy Sessions at Thriveworks in Salem, OR
Feelings of panic, anxiousness, and worry can feel scary and overwhelming. Anxiety disorders are serious illnesses that deserve to be treated with care and understanding.
We know that seeking help can often feel like an insurmountable step. But we’ve helped many clients reach their wellness goals, and we would love to do the same for you.
At Thriveworks, our new clients can often schedule an appointment to see a therapist or counselor within the first 24 to 48 hours of contacting us. We offer weekend and evening sessions as well as support for individuals, families, and couples.
Should you need additional support, you can contact your provider between sessions via phone or email. You’ll also receive access to our online community board and Q&A life coaching service.
When you’re ready to move forward, call us at Thriveworks in Salem, OR
