Therapists in Texas discuss anxiety disorders and how disorders can effect you.
So to begin with, what is anxiety and how do you deal with it?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems; it’s often described as a constant state of fear and worry. Everyone will feel anxious at one time or another, but to suffer from anxiety means that daily life is affected.
A study done by the World Health Organization suggests that 1 in 13 people will have an anxiety disorder. So if you are dealing with one, know that you’re absolutely not alone and there is help available to you wherever you are. In fact, we offer local and online anxiety treatment in Austin, TX, and beyond.
What Are The Main Types Of Anxiety?
There are 4 main types of anxiety.
Generalized anxiety disorder is when you are feeling a constant state of worry and fear, not always as a result of a stressful situation. Those with GAD will think of the worst-case scenario in all upcoming events, and they will find it difficult to control negative feelings. This type of anxiety has a negative impact on people’s lives-- being in a constant state of fear makes carrying on with normal everyday life very difficult. It can also cause problems with relationships, sleeping, eating, and work.
Social anxiety (or social phobia) is when people have a very overwhelming, intense fear of being in social situations or performing in front of others. They fear people laughing at them, feeling humiliated or attacked. A few common scenarios where one with this type of anxiety will feel at their most uncomfortable is when they’re meeting new people, dating, starting new conversations, or eating in front of others.
Having a panic disorder means experiencing unexpected and unprovoked anxiety or panic attacks. Those who have a panic disorder may find that their everyday lives are disrupted and each panic attack can come to be a very scary, and sometimes painful, experience. These attacks can present as shaking, being short of breath, hyperventilation, and/or dizziness, during these attacks they may feel a high level of anxiety and feel immobilized.
Those with phobias are also experiencing a type of anxiety. Phobias are a common type of anxiety disorder that should be taken seriously. When faced with its phobias, the brain will be rendered unable to assess an accurate gauge of whether something is life-threatening, and will exaggerate the perception of real danger in your mind. Some with this panic disorder may not even need to be faced with the phobia, the simple thought of it could provoke a panic attack. they also often know that the fear is irrational, but this doesn’t stop the anxiety and fears from occurring.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Person Suffering From Anxiety?
Anxiety symptoms will vary depending on the disorder, everyone will have different symptoms whether physical or mental.
Some common physical symptoms of anxiety are:
Having regular panic attacks. These can be having shortness of breath, a choking sensation, or having chest pain.
Aches and pains throughout the body.
Changes in sex drive.
Feeling weak and tired.
Some common mental symptoms of anxiety are:
Feeling nervous or irritable.
The feeling as if everyone is judging you.
Needing reassurance from others.
Living in a state of constant worry.
What Can Cause Anxiety?
Anxiety can be caused by a mixture of things. Here are some of the potential causes:
Genetics can play a role in whether you have an anxiety disorder or not. Evidence has shown that if a close family member suffers from an anxiety disorder you’re more likely to also suffer from the same or similar disorder.
Trauma plays a part in the causes of anxiety. Trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, abuse (whether mental or physical), or even witnessing a traumatic event can all cause an anxiety disorder. If you would like to learn more about trauma and the neuroscience behind it, please take a look at our trauma blog.
Current life situations such as stress at work, struggling relationships, caring for a sick loved one, etc, can also play a part in the cause of anxiety disorders.
What Can You Do To Help Cope With Anxiety At Home?
Coping with anxiety can look and be different for everyone. Here are some methods that can help you at home, but these do not replace professional help.
Try breathing or meditation exercises. There are many different breathing and meditation techniques on the internet that you could try during high anxiety moments.
Surrounding yourself with your friends, family or loved ones can sometimes help to distract you from your anxiety disorder.
Try to do some more self-care. Looking after yourself can look like taking a bath, playing your favorite music, meditating, or simply carrying out a hobby of yours.
Journaling can also help you to get your thoughts and feelings out by literally putting them from pen to paper. This will give you the power to release your emotions and say what you would like to without the fear of judgment.
How Can Anxiety Treatment in Texas Help You?
Here at Elevate, I understand that it can be difficult to try and manage your anxiety. We take a holistic approach to support you through these times and work with you 1:1 to find the cause and give you tools to help find ways to manage the disorder.
We will help you to calm your mind while also soothing your nervous system in the body. At Elevate therapy & Wellness, we believe in evidence-based and natural anxiety treatment.
Begin Anxiety Treatment in Austin, TX
You don’t have to let anxiety run your life. Therapy can help you find more peace and self-assurance. I specialize in anxiety treatment and care about helping you feel more like you. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
Contact Elevate Therapy and fill out a consult form.
Meet with me to see if we are the best fit.
Start healing your anxiety on a mind, body, and spirit level.
Other Services at Elevate Therapy & Wellness
I take pride in offering unique therapy services rooted in neuroscience. At Elevate Therapy, I understand the importance of a strong connection between the mind, body, and soul. At my Austin-based therapy practice, I am dedicated to helping individuals find healing from a variety of issues, including depression, trauma, eating disorders, and self-discovery. We also offer yoga therapy for those interested in a unique approach. If you aren’t yet sure about starting therapy with us, please explore our blog to get to know us better!