Anxiety Solutions for Anxiety and Phobias
Anxiety Therapy: How We Can Help You
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stressful situations, a survival instinct designed to protect you. It’s normal to feel nervous before an interview, public speaking, or taking an exam; this is growth anxiety. However, anxiety can also stem from trauma or difficult life events and become toxic. While anxiety is a common human experience, if it persists over time and starts interfering with your job performance, school work and/or relationships, it’s important to seek professional help.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 19% of U.S. adults experience anxiety each year. Anxiety among teenagers is also on the rise, with 31% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 struggling with it. Different types of anxiety disorders include health anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. You might also experience panic attacks or anxiety attacks as part of these conditions.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Unlike ordinary anxiety, anxiety disorders can cause constant, overwhelming feelings of fear. Intrusive thoughts can take over, making it hard to function in daily life. Anxiety symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. For some, the signs are obvious, while others may hide their struggles. You might find yourself withdrawing from others, or perhaps acting out in ways that feel out of control. Anxiety looks different for everyone, including children, teenagers, and adults. Anxiety therapy, support groups, exposure therapy, and working on interpersonal relationships can all be part of managing anxiety disorders.
Common Symptoms of General Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms can feel different for each person, but here are some common signs you might experience:
- Persistent worrying
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness or being easily startled
- Feeling faint
- Nausea or “butterflies” in your stomach
- Racing thoughts
- Rapid heartbeat and breathing
- Upset stomach
How Anxiety Therapy Can Help You
Lifestyle changes can sometimes help you manage anxiety symptoms. These might include getting more physical activity, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, and lowering stress levels. However, when anxiety becomes more severe, therapy and medication might be necessary. If you’re struggling with anxious thoughts, you might find that your mind tends to dwell on negative ideas that aren’t always true. This cycle can lead to even more anxiety.
In anxiety therapy, you’ll learn practical tools and techniques to help you cope with and manage your anxiety. You’ll work on identifying what triggers your anxiety and learn how to handle anxiety attacks. Over time, you’ll build self-confidence and become more open to new experiences. Your therapy and treatment plan will be tailored to your specific symptoms and their severity. Our therapists are trained to treat anxiety and will adjust their approach to best support you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
At the Center for Psychological Health and Wellness, we often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a highly effective treatment for anxiety. CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns, challenge them, and replace them with more realistic and positive thoughts. Recognizing your anxious thoughts as just thoughts—and not reality—is a key part of managing anxiety. By getting to the root cause of your anxiety, you’ll develop greater self-awareness and control over your reactions.
CBT is particularly useful for treating phobias, including social phobia or social anxiety. Your therapist might guide you through gradual, manageable challenges that help you overcome social anxiety or other types of phobias that impact your daily life.
We’re Here to Support You
Coping with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Center for Psychological Health and Wellness, our treatment plans are personalized and designed to give you the confidence and skills needed to handle stressful situations. We’re here to support you through tough times and equip you with the tools to ease your anxiety and improve your quality of life.
If you're dealing with severe anxiety or panic disorder, we offer specific treatments that are tailored to your needs. In therapy, your therapist will help you find the most effective methods for managing your anxiety and preventing future attacks. No matter what you're going through, we're here to help you find relief and regain control of your life.
