Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety can be described as the feeling of unease or worry about what might happen in the future. It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially when facing uncertain situations. However, anxiety can become a problem when it lasts a long time and starts to affect your daily life, such as your relationships, school, work, or other important activities.

Common symptoms

• Racing or jumbled thoughts

• Can't stop overthinking

• Feeling like something bad is about to happen

• Panic and uneasiness

• Frequent nightmares

• Thinking about past traumas over and over

• Obsessive thoughts that just won’t quit

• Struggling to focus

• Feeling cranky

• Feeling hypervigilant

• Having a hard time sleeping

• Feeling out of touch with your own thoughts and the world

Lesser known symptoms

• Heart palpitations or racing heartbeat

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Cold or sweaty hands, or generalized sweating

• Dry mouth

• Nausea, stomach pain, or digestive issues

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• Muscle tension or aches

• Dizziness

Common Examples

• Feeling overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists, causing procrastination and stress about productivity.

• Worrying about social gatherings leading to judgment, making it difficult to enjoy time with friends or introduce oneself to new people.

• Many millennials experience anxiety while managing their finances, leading to constant worry about student loans and living expenses that affects their overall well-being. Additionally, anxiety can manifest as difficulty concentrating at work, making it challenging to complete tasks efficiently and impacting their professional growth.

Therapy for Anxiety

Therapy for anxiety can take many forms, each tailored to meet individual needs and preferences: from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on changing negative thought patterns, to mindfulness techniques that encourage present-moment awareness, to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) that focuses on changing your relationship with anxiety and changing unhelpful behaviors. Ultimately, effective therapy aims to equip clients with the tools and insight to manage anxiety and improve overall well-being. If you're interested in online or virtual therapy for anxiety, click the button below to get started.

Common Questions

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetic predispositions can make individuals more susceptible to anxiety, while stressful life events or trauma can exacerbate these feelings. Additionally, certain thought patterns and behaviors can perpetuate anxiety, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.

How does therapy treat anxiety?

Therapy provides tools to manage thoughts and reduce anxious feelings. Therapy can teach different ways of observing anxiety and finding acceptance or peace for certain aspects of anxiety.

How long is treatment?

Treatment length varies; some feel better in weeks, others take months.

Do I need to take medication for anxiety?

Not always; therapy alone often helps without meds.

How long does anxiety last?

Anxiety involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetic predispositions can make individuals more susceptible to anxiety, while stressful life events or trauma can exacerbate these feelings. Additionally, certain thought patterns and behaviors can perpetuate anxiety, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.

What should I expect in my first session?

You’ll talk about what's been bothering you or on your mind lately. The therapist will often have important questions about family history or childhood events. This is a good time to also share some goals you might have for therapy.

Anxiety can vary greatly in duration, lasting from just moments to several years, depending on individual circumstances and triggers. For some, anxiety may emerge as a brief, situational response that dissipates quickly, while others may experience chronic anxiety that persists for years. Factors such as lifestyle, coping mechanisms, and any underlying mental health and medical conditions play a crucial role in determining how long anxiety lasts.

Are there different types of anxiety?

How will I know if my anxiety is getting better?

Therapy for anxiety may involve growing your comfort zone by taking on challenges or doing new things. It may also involve processing past memories and feelings so that reactions to new situations look and feel different. Growth and healing can look very different from person to person, but it often involves being open to change or uncertain situations and feeling more in control of your choices.

Reach Out Today

If you're interested in a consultation to see if Merissa could be a good fit for your therapy journey, fill out the form below.