Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact
Anxiety is experienced by some people as intense worry, stress, or fear. It can be a normal response to situations that can seem overwhelming. However, it is worth noting an anxiety disorder is different from a general experience with anxiety. The difference is based on how strong your anxiety experience is and on how it interferes with your ability to do things.
People who have an anxiety disorder tend to experience intense worry for long periods about everyday situations. At times, the symptoms tend to feel much worse than the risk of danger. It’s common for symptoms of anxiety to get in the way of daily tasks. This condition can lead to avoiding people or places to lessen the feelings of anxiety. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and others.
Recognizing Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety often impacts your emotions, behaviors, and physical body. Here’s how you might experience anxiety:
- Emotions: Fear, sense of danger, worry, nervousness, stress, discomfort.
- Behaviors: Avoiding people or places, inability to sleep, trouble concentrating.
- Physical: Rapid heart rate, stomach pain or nausea, sweating, blushing, shaking, fast or difficult breathing, muscle tenseness and pain.
When to Seek Help
Anxiety is a normal response to many situations, but when the feelings become overwhelming and they stop you from doing things every day, it’s a good time to ask for help. If you feel like anxiety is becoming hard to control, harms your relationships, makes you feel depressed, or is giving you physical health problems, you should check in with your doctor or a mental health therapist.
Effective Anxiety Treatments
Advanced Behavior Health Inc. offers effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Here are some of the most common and effective methods:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on changing patterns of thinking and beliefs that are associated with and trigger anxiety. This therapy helps you identify, challenge, and change negative thought patterns. For instance, if you believe you must be perfect in every way, CBT enables you to challenge this belief and develop healthier, more realistic thoughts.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness helps bring attention back to the present moment and unhook from unhelpful thoughts. Relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and correct breathing, can also help manage anxiety symptoms by reducing physical tension and hyperventilation.
Behavioral Therapy
A significant component of behavioral therapy is exposure therapy, which involves deliberately confronting your fears to desensitize yourself. This method helps you redefine the danger or fear of specific situations or triggers.
Medication
While medications should be seen as a short-term measure, they can help manage anxiety symptoms while other treatment options take effect. At ABH, we work with you to find the best combination of treatments, including medication if necessary.
How ABH Can Help
At Advanced Behavior Health Inc., our mission is to serve the community’s complex mental health needs regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual identity, or disability. We are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to help you manage and overcome anxiety. Here’s why choosing ABH is the best decision for your mental health:
- Expert Care: Our highly qualified therapists specialize in treating anxiety disorders.
- Comprehensive Treatment: We offer a range of treatments, including CBT, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and support groups.
- Personalized Approach: We tailor our treatments to meet your needs and help you achieve your mental health goals.
- Supportive Environment: We provide a safe and inclusive space for you to heal and grow.
Contact Us
Remember, you are not alone. Anxiety is a common and treatable condition, and with the right help and support, you can regain control of your life. Your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here at Advanced Behavior Health Inc.