Modern life can be anxiety-inducing. Between our jobs, our relationships, and the stresses of everyday life, it can be difficult to make time for your mental health. However, if you are dealing with potential symptoms of an anxiety disorder, it’s worth making your well-being a top priority.
Consider the following questions:
- Do you tend to worry about the worst possible outcome?
- Do you ruminate about embarrassing things you’ve done or said?
- Do you avoid social situations for fear of saying the wrong thing or being judged?
- Do you suffer from panic attacks or shortness of breath?
- Do you have trouble concentrating?
- Do you have trouble sleeping or staying asleep?
If you find yourself nodding “yes” to any of these questions, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder. The good news is that there are highly effective treatments available for people with anxiety and our licensed professionals are trained to find the course of action that’s right for you.
If you’re tired of letting anxiety stop you from living the life you want, experienced counselors and therapists are standing by at Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ to offer compassionate support and care.
Signs and Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
There are many types of anxiety disorders and each person may experience them differently. However, some of the most common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Excessive worrying
- Muscle tension
- Panic attacks
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia and disruptions to sleep patterns
- Self-induced social isolation
- Substance abuse
The symptoms you experience may also depend on the kind of mental disorder you have. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), for example, is among the most common forms of anxiety. While many situations in our lives can induce anxiety, GAD is characterized by a persistent feeling of worry over a long duration of time, regardless of whether it is warranted by any given situation. If you have uncontrollable feelings of anxiety for more than six months and are experiencing at least three symptoms of anxiety, this is typically classified as GAD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another long-term anxiety disorder — one that can last for years. PTSD is typically triggered, at least in part, by a traumatic incident that causes symptoms later in life due to painful memories. Someone with PTSD may experience panic attacks and nightmares, and they may actively try to avoid situations that remind them of the traumatic event.
When you’re faced with anxious thoughts, you may feel like there’s no way out. However, help is available. Reach out to the licensed mental health professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ.
How Can Anxiety Therapy Help?
Anxiety can feel overwhelming but with the help of an experienced counselor, you can start to approach situations in new ways and learn to manage your symptoms.
Just as there are many types of anxiety disorders, there are also many types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is among the most common ways to treat anxiety. CBT revolves around analyzing thought patterns and how they impact your behavior and emotions. This makes it possible to adjust your thought patterns to minimize your anxiety response and approach situations differently.
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a specific form of CBT focusing on encouraging healthier emotional responses to minimize harmful behaviors and overwhelming anxiety symptoms. You may learn coping mechanisms to manage anxious feelings, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.
Exposure therapy is another kind of therapy that is particularly useful for PTSD, social anxiety, phobias, and a number of other conditions. When it is difficult for a client to approach certain situations, a trained professional will develop a plan to help introduce the client to the fear in a slow and measured way. This will help to minimize the anxiety response over time.
Some clients benefit from a multi-faceted approach including both a form of talk therapy and medication. If you’re interested in working through your symptoms and identifying the treatment options that may work best for you, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ today.
Starting Therapy for Anxiety With Thriveworks in Tempe, AZ
If you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder, the thought of in-person appointments might feel intimidating. That’s why we have online therapy appointments to make at-home sessions possible either by phone or video. Plus, we offer appointments seven days a week and can sometimes even accommodate same-day or next-day appointments.
At Thriveworks, we take many forms of insurance and are flexible when it comes to cancellations. We offer several additional benefits to our clients, including:
- Advice from your counselor between sessions via phone or email
- 24-hour Q&A with a life improvement coach
- Counselor-moderated community discussion boards
- Exclusive video content
- Easy-to-use apps for billing and scheduling
- Free coffee, tea, and refreshments in our offices
While anxiety can feel isolating, you don’t have to face these feelings alone. Speak to a professional counselor or therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Tempe, AZ.
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