One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
Anxiety Therapy and Counseling at Thriveworks in Wilmington, DE, (New Castle County, DE)
Do I have anxiety?
Life is difficult and is full of many surprises. The various transitions and obstacles we experience in our lives can at times make us feel anxious and overwhelmed, but for the most part we are able to cope. Occasional anxiety and worry is a normal part of life, However; when that anxiety becomes excessive and it affects our ability to function it can become problematic. Untreated anxiety can affect various areas of our lives, our relationships, our jobs, and our ability to lead fully satisfying lives. If you are concerned about the anxiety you are experiencing you might be asking yourself how common is anxiety and how do I know if I am suffering from anxiety?
How common is anxiety?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Anxiety is the most common mental health diagnoses in the United States. An estimated 40 million adults, or 18.1% of the population, suffer from an anxiety disorder per year. Unfortunately only 36.9% of those suffering with anxiety disorders seek treatment, despite them being high treatable.
How do I know if I have anxiety?
If you are concerned about the frequency or intensity of the anxiety you are experiencing ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you feel nervous, anxious, or on edge?
- Are you unable to sleep or control your worrying?
- Do you worry too much about different things?
- Do you have trouble relaxing?
- Are you so restless that it’s hard to sit still?
- Do you become easily annoyed or irritable?
- Do you feel afraid, as if something awful might happen?
- Do you ever have racing thoughts?
- Does the slightest event make you feel completely overwhelmed and make you feel incapable of coping?
- Do you ever feel like the slightest event will have catastrophic results?
If so, you might be suffering from anxiety disorder.
What are the physical signs of anxiety?
Some physical signs of anxiety are rapid heart rate, restlessness, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, headaches, nauseousness, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle tension, problems sleeping.
How can anxiety be treated?
At Thriveworks our clinically licensed and trained therapists treat anxiety disorders using various evidence based techniques. The two most common treatment modalities in treating anxiety disorders are CBT and exposure therapy.
CBT
One evidenced based practice that Thriveworks offers is CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT teaches you a different way of thinking, behaving, and reacting to anxiety-producing and fearful situations, in order to change the way you feel. CBT can also help people learn and practice social skills, which is helpful in treating anxiety disorders.
Exposure Therapy
Another treatment that focuses on addressing fears is Exposure Therapy. Exposure Therapy helps to confront underlying fears in order to diminish them with relaxation techniques and mindfulness.
Where can I get help in Wilmington, DE?
If you are suffering from anxiety you may benefit from the professional support of a skilled therapist. Thriveworks has licensed clinical therapists that can assist you in better understanding the root causes of your anxiety and learning the skills to overcome them.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans and typically offer appointments within the same week of your initial call. Call (302) 313-0236 to get scheduled at Thriveworks Wilmington, DE, today!
