Some anxiety is a natural part of everyday life; it is meant as a way to alert you to potential danger. Anxiety can also be a natural response to stress and risky situations. But when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can interfere with daily life.
Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a big event; for many, it’s a constant weight that affects thoughts, emotions, and physical health. Anxiety can impact every facet of your well-being, from sleeping and eating patterns to relationships and productivity at work. Constantly on edge and in a state of worry, anxiety makes it difficult to focus, rest, relate, and feel at ease.
Understanding anxiety is the first step toward managing it effectively. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a common condition that millions experience. Seeking help through professional anxiety therapy can make a significant difference. Acknowledging the need for support is a powerful move toward reclaiming control and finding balance.
Anxiety manifests in various ways, and its symptoms can be both mental and physical. Common signs include excessive worry, racing thoughts, on edge, or a sense of impending doom that’s hard to shake.
These symptoms vary in intensity and may come and go, but when they disrupt daily activities or relationships, it’s a sign that anxiety might be more than just situational stress.
Panic attacks are another hallmark of anxiety disorders. These episodes involve sudden, intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a racing heart.
Anxiety is extremely common in today’s fast-paced world. If you’re struggling with anxiety, you are far from alone. Anxiety is the most common mental health issue, impacting more than 40 million American adults every year. About 1 in 5 adults experience anxiety each year, with women being slightly more affected than men. Globally, over 260 million people live with anxiety disorders.
Causes are multifaceted, often involving a mix of genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences. Stressful events like trauma, loss, or significant life changes can trigger anxiety, as can ongoing pressures like work, finances, or relationships. Certain medical conditions, substance use, and poor nutrition can also contribute, making it a complex condition with no single cause.
Given that we live in a go-go-go culture in which we are expected to be constantly plugged in, perform to perfection, and juggle so much at once, it’s no wonder that many people feel overwhelmed and unstable. We also live in an increasingly scary world. Between natural disasters, mass shootings, political, financial, and environmental uncertainties—all of which are publicized (and oftentimes dramatized) by the media 24/7—our nervous systems are in perpetual overload. Social media exacerbates this stress on the nervous system and neurotransmitter system. Because we are in a state of constant fight, flight, or freeze, we are constantly activated, even when no immediate danger is present.
Certain amounts of stress and anxiety can be helpful. It can help us meet deadlines, perform better, and keep us safe. However, when everyday stress crosses over the line into anxiety, it can hinder our sense of well-being and even become debilitating. Some people are naturally predisposed to anxiety, while others develop anxiety following a trauma, loss, life transition, or period of heightened stress. Either way, anxiety can steal the ability to feel calm, present, and stable. And it can become so severe that it turns into a panic attack, impacting our ability to perform daily tasks or even leave the house.
The good news is that while anxiety is the number one mental health issue in the US, it is also the most commonly and effectively treated. An experienced, understanding, and skilled mental health therapist can help you get to the root of your anxiety and resolve anxious thoughts and feelings so you can experience sustained relief.
Counseling plays a pivotal role in managing anxiety, offering a safe space to explore feelings and develop coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches, helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns that cause anxiety. In counseling sessions, we can slow everything down and explore the thoughts, feelings, and fears that are fueling your anxiety.
Sessions are a safe place for you to share anything and everything that comes up for you without fear of judgment. As you share thoughts and fears that you logically know are unrealistic, the therapist can gently offer you comfort and a new perspective, which can help you become present with your experience and relax. We can also explore any negative feelings you have about yourself, as well as unrealistic expectations that may be contributing to shame, guilt, and fear. Together, we can work on reframing unhelpful thoughts and beliefs as well as practice techniques that can help you mitigate negative feelings before they become overwhelming.
Although anxiety is prevalent in our society, we understand and appreciate that everyone experiences and heals from their pain in different ways. Together, we can develop an anxiety treatment plan that best supports, addresses, and values your unique needs and experiences.
In counseling sessions, the therapist will offer tools, practices, and coping skills that you can use to help yourself in moments when heightened anxiety starts to set in. Although we draw from a variety of approaches, such as CBT, the therapist will provide guidance and teach practical tools, like mindfulness-based therapy, exposure therapy, exercise, and nutritional support, which can also be tailored to specific needs.
Beyond therapy, counseling fosters self-awareness, empowering individuals to understand their triggers and responses, which is crucial for long-term management. The tools and therapies will help you become more resilient, be more present, and calm and ground yourself, thereby connecting you with the present moment and reinforcing a sense of safety that allows you to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without them consuming you.
Nothing lasts forever, including anxiety. With support, guidance, and a willingness to explore, you can make empowered changes in the way you think and behave that can help you mitigate and even overcome the symptoms of anxiety completely. It is possible to uncover the root of your distress and resolve lingering issues, allowing you to move forward feeling calm, centered, and at ease.
Diagnosing and treating anxiety vary depending on the individual. A mental health therapist generally evaluates or assesses depression during the initial intake through a series of questions about your symptoms, their duration, and impact on daily life. Ideally, the therapist will take a holistic approach, exploring physical health, medications, lifestyle, home life, work, and past traumas to determine the most suitable treatment options.
Sometimes the underlying cause is simple; other times it is complex. Symptoms can often be masked by or explained by other events in your life; if not addressed properly, they will get worse. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, enabling individuals to regain control of their lives. Treatment is multifaceted, combining therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication is used to stabilize extreme moods.
Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment, with approaches like:
Three common disorders related to anxiety
Seeking help early is crucial because untreated anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse, and can negatively impact various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being.
Anxiety can profoundly affect mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Knowing when to seek help is critical. If anxiety disrupts your work, relationships, or daily routines, or if you’re experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, or physical symptoms, it’s time to reach out and prevent symptoms from worsening. Consider professional support if you experience:
Anxiety is highly treatable, and the insights, skills, and support you can gain by working with a therapist skilled in anxiety therapy can genuinely change the way you live. Delaying help can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of complications, such as substance abuse or chronic health issues. With anxiety therapy, you can learn coping skills that work, you can reclaim your life, and find lasting peace.
Anything new, like an appointment with a therapist, can bring on some anxiety. This is why it is essential to make a list and bring it with you; otherwise, it is too easy to become nervous and forget your symptoms and questions. It might also be a good idea to have your list in hand when you visit their office (instead of keeping it in a pocket or purse). The therapist will guide you through the process to relieve the symptoms and find hope for the future.
Be open with your therapist; they are there to help, not judge. Outside of therapy, consider making small, manageable changes: practice deep breathing, limit your caffeine intake, or try journaling to track your thoughts. Building a support network, including friends, family, or support groups, can also provide encouragement. The key is to take one step at a time, knowing that progress is a gradual process.
Anxiety can be a complex but treatable condition. With early intervention, personalized treatment, and compassionate support, it’s possible to reclaim a fulfilling life. Recovery from anxiety is not necessarily about eliminating it, as some anxiety is a normal part of life, but about managing it effectively so it doesn’t control you.
With the right tools, many people see significant improvement. Therapy equips you with strategies to manage triggers. At the same time, lifestyle changes, such as practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a proper diet, or engaging in meditation, can reinforce your progress.
Recovery is personal and nonlinear; some days may feel harder than others, but each step forward builds resilience. Celebrate small victories, like facing a fear or completing a therapy session, as they add up to meaningful change. With persistence, anxiety can become a manageable part of life rather than a defining one.
Does an anxiety diagnosis mean I’ll have to take medication?
The short answer is no. Most people do not need to be medicated; there are many effective approaches to treating anxiety without medication. For some people, medication can be a short-term solution to improve feelings of well-being while getting to the root of the symptoms in therapy. It can help improve your overall well-being, enabling you to engage more fully in treatment and life. Any medication should be short-term, combined with counseling therapy, and well monitored. Very few need long-term medication. We have helped many patients successfully reduce and remove their dependence on medication.
What’s the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
Normal anxiety is temporary and tied to specific situations, like a job interview. An anxiety disorder involves excessive, persistent worry that disrupts daily life and may not have an obvious cause.
How long does therapy take to work?
Results vary, but many notice improvement within 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy, especially with CBT. Long-term benefits depend on commitment and individual factors.
Can lifestyle changes really help with anxiety?
Yes, regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress-reduction practices like meditation can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Research indicates online therapy can be effective for anxiety. However, in-person therapy is the most effective. It’s a convenient option for those with busy schedules or limited access to local therapists.
Can anxiety cause physical health problems?
Yes, chronic anxiety can contribute to issues like heart problems, digestive disorders, or weakened immunity due to prolonged stress on the body.
If you’re struggling with anxiety symptoms in Tallahassee or the North Florida area, we offer in-office appointments. We also offer virtual sessions for Florida residents and those who are unable to meet in person. In-office sessions for anxiety counseling are the most effective mode of treatment. Our holistic and individual approach in identifying the underlying causes leads to effective treatment that lasts. Let us help you find solutions that work.
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