While anxiety is one of the most common emotional disorders, it can also be one of the most misunderstood. Experiences of anxiety occur along a continuum of severity and can range from a quiet feeling of internal dread, to a more agitated experience of systemic panic.
You may experience anxiety in a variety of ways, some of which may include the following symptoms:
- Excessive worry
- Obsessive thinking
- Irrational fears
- Hyper-self consciousness
- Ruminating thoughts
- Panic and/or anxiety attacks
- Debilitating perfectionism
Anxiety: A Common Disorder (You are Not Alone!)
Whatever form your anxiety takes, it is important to know that you are not alone! Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in America, affecting 1 in 5 adults. And, while it may be helpful to realize that you are not alone, we know that living life filled with pervasive anxiety is not a quality of life that anyone desires.
Well-Researched, Effective Techniques for Anxiety
At A New Beginning, our team of skilled clinicians, specializing in the psychotherapeutic treatment of anxiety, readily understand the many etiological causes of anxiety spectrum disorders – and we are here to guide you down a comforting path out.
Utilizing well-researched approaches, our therapeutic team will skillfully help you identify the many biological, biochemical, psychosocial and/or familial causes of your specific anxiety, and will work alongside you to help you develop the emotional and life coping skills necessary to engage in a fulfilling and worry-free life!
Depending on your specific needs, our therapists may utilize one or more of the following research-based techniques in the treatment of your anxiety:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Family-of-Origin / Bowenian Therapy
- Exposure Response Prevention Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Intuitive Movement (for those clients wanting a natural, healthy way to manage anxiety through movement)
There are Many Forms of Anxiety Disorder
There are many types of anxiety disorders including: generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by chronic and excessive worry and tension. A person affected by GAD may always be anticipating disaster, and finds it very difficult to relax or quiet their mind. The anxiety may manifest itself through physical ailments, such as muscle tension, palpitations, stomach aches, and shortness of breath.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is typified by obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors that tend to be ritualistic and rigid in nature. A person affected by OCD often believes that if the thought and/or behavior are not performed, then something bad may happen. OCD is largely biological, such that a person’s genetic history and brain chemistry greatly influence the development and maintenance of this disorder.
Social anxiety is defined as an intense fear of being humiliated or embarrassed in social situations, especially when there are other people around. This disorder often manifests as worrying about what others think, saying something stupid, or somehow not measuring up in the presence of others. People with this type of anxiety tend to avoid social situations in which these perceived evaluations are thought to occur.
Phobias are intense, irrational fears of certain things or situations, and the thought of facing the feared object or situation is likely to elicit severe anxiety or bring on a panic attack. Common phobias include heights, animals and insects, water, body fluids, and enclosed spaces.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental illness that develops after experiencing a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death. Common traumatic events include natural disasters, assault or abuse, terrorism, and war. PTSD is characterized by repeated and upsetting flashbacks of the event, avoidance of feelings and memories related to the event, and feeling more physically hypervigilant and aware.
Panic disorder is marked by the sudden onset of panic attacks that involve intense fear or discomfort and last about 15-20 minutes. Panic attacks are often characterized by a pounding heart, sweating, dizziness, numbness or tingling, feeling detached from self, and a fear of losing control. Once an attack occurs, the panic may be further exacerbated by the fear of having another unexpected attack. People with panic disorder tend to question if they are “going crazy” because there is no plausible reason for the attacks to occur.
If you see characteristics of yourself profiled in any of the anxiety conditions listed above, please contact our therapeutic team at A New Beginning. Anxiety is a very treatable condition and should never be allowed to rob you – or your loved one – of the quality life you deserve!