Am I Just Worried, or Do I Have Anxiety?

Everyone worries from time to time. We live in uncertain times, which can easily cause us to slip into rumination or a pattern of anxious thought. But, it’s actually a normal part of life – and being human.

If anything, worry shows a deep level of care for something (or someone) we feel is essential.

When our daily stresses cause us to feel tense and frequently overreact around those we love, these feelings of worry turn into a condition of anxiety.

If left untreated, anxiety can become a severe disorder that affects your overall well-being.

Unlike everyday concerns, an anxiety disorder affects your ability to make decisions, feel confident, and become clouded. In addition, physical symptoms may begin to appear, creating a cycle of anxiety.

Have you felt this way over the past few weeks?

• Have you felt anxious or on edge frequently?
• Do you find yourself thinking about things and have difficulty stopping, especially on something out of your control?
• Do you become easily annoyed or irritable?
• Do you find yourself having a hard time relaxing? Feel restless?
• Do you have an unexplained feeling that bad things will happen?
• Do you have difficulty sleeping?
• Do your thoughts scare you?
• Is your anxiety causing you problems managing daily tasks like eating, working, or caring for your child?

How can therapy with anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety is multilayered, just as anxiety is. Not all anxiety is the same.

Because anxiety affects people on a physical and emotional level, therapy can help to calm the body, eliminate the urge to avoid situations, and change negative thought patterns (self-talk) that keep you in a state of worry.

In the counseling process for anxiety, we work collaboratively with you to:

1) Explore what may be the underlying cause(s) of your anxiety.

2) Identify the triggers, and work on managing the symptoms. This allows you to return to daily functioning.

3) Practice replacing negative thoughts with new ones that feel better.

With greater awareness of your anxiety’s root cause, recognizing triggers, and reframing, you’ll increase confidence and feel empowered to attempt new things, cultivate relationships, and lead a more fulfilling life.

FAQS ABOUT THERAPY FOR ANXIETY

What techniques do you use for treating anxiety?

At Behavioral Health Alliance, we use several evidence-based methods to treat anxiety while adjusting to what works best for you.

• We use cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) as part of talk therapy. CBT helps you become aware that how you think impacts how you feel, which helps to reduce anxiety.
• Another approach to treat anxiety is dialectical behavior therapy. This helps the individual to accept anxiety, become mindful and better regulate emotions.

Do you treat more complex types of anxiety?

Yes. We conduct a thorough assessment to see what type of anxiety you may be experiencing. The most common are generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, and phobias.

Working together, we develop a flexible plan for the best way to handle your treatment.