Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety can be an overwhelming and all-consuming feeling that affects millions of people around the world. From panic attacks to constant worry, anxiety can take many forms and impact every aspect of our lives. But there is hope! With the right treatment plan, individuals with anxiety can find relief and reclaim their lives.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal feeling that people experience, as it serves in our human survival. Anxiety makes itself know to us through it's physiological experience, which can lead to worry, nervousness, or a feeling of unease. The experience of anxiety calls a person to some sort of action.
For example, if I am feeling anxious and worried about my health, the anxiety may be saying I need to take action to better myself. However, when the anxiety becomes more intense, prolonged or gets in the way of life then it becomes unhelpful and debilitating. When anxiety seems out of control, a person may feel that their anxiety is irrational and inexplicable. Anxiety can be classified as a "disorder," when diagnosed by a doctor.
What Are The Different Types of Anxiety?
There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other related phobia-related disorders.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to control their worry. They may worry about their health, work, family, or other things. -
Panic Disorder
People with panic disorder have sudden and repeated attacks of fear. These attacks may include a pounding heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness. During the attack, people may feel like they are going to die or lose control. -
Agoraphobia
The term itself means fear of open spaces but is more associated with a fear of having a panic attack. People may be afraid to leave their home or be in certain public places or fear to be alone, which can lead a person to avoid public places such as shopping malls and using public transportation. -
Social Anxiety Disorder
A person dealing with social anxiety finds it difficult to be in social situations, which involves a fear of being embarrassed, humiliated or being judged. There is a vulnerability of being exposed and under the "spotlight". It can lead people to avoiding social situation and isolating, which detracts from living a life they may desire to live. -
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
A person may deal with recurring thoughts, images, or impulses that continue to intrude the mind. The person may feel that the very intrusive and disturbing. The disorder can also be associated with repetitive behaviours or rituals that seem to be out of control and unstoppable. For example, a person can be afraid of germs or being contaminated, which drives them to constantly washing their hands.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, childhood circumstances, prolonged stress and life events. There is no single cause of anxiety disorders but rather they result from a complex combination of risk factors. Each person is unique to their own circumstance.
How Do You Diagnose Anxiety?
There are a number of ways to diagnose anxiety. A doctor will typically start with a physical exam to rule out other health conditions that may be causing the symptoms. They will then ask about your medical history and any family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions. They may also administer a psychological questionnaire to get a better understanding of your symptoms.
What Treatment Options Does Transformative Counselling Offer For Anxiety?
Transformative Counselling offers a range of treatment options for anxiety that can help you to understand and manage your anxiety symptoms. Our treatment approach is based on the latest research and evidence, and we work with you to tailor a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We understand that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and our goal is to help you find the tools and techniques that work best for you.
