Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, anxiety disorders can appear as repeated episodes of worry and fear or develop into sudden feelings of intense anxiety with physical sensations, known as panic attacks. Additionally, your anxiety may feel related to an event or thought, and other times appear to occur randomly and without cause. These feelings are difficult to control and are disproportionate to any actual danger. Anxiety may have triggers that can include changes in school or work, detrimental lifestyle habit, excessive stress, a predisposition, an unresolved fear or phobia, or trauma. Anxiety can develop at any age. When anxiety develops in childhood or the teen years it can continue into adulthood, especially when left untreated.
In therapy, we will explore how anxiety is affecting your life and create an effective treatment plan specific to your goals to improve your well-being.
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently may have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders can involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes, known as panic attacks. These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are disproportioned to any actual danger and can last a long time. Anxiety may start in childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood. A general physical is recommended by a medical doctor to rule out any conditions that may be causing symptoms.
What should I expect from anxiety disorder treatment?
You and your therapist will work together to identify any triggers that may be causing your anxiety. This may include severe stress, a previous trauma, unresolved fear, or lifestyle habits. Based on the cause of your anxiety, your treatment plan will be designed to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Will I need to make any lifestyle changes to facilitate anxiety management?
If your anxiety is caused by a lifestyle habit, such as excessive alcohol consumption, you may be advised to stop or minimize your drinking habits. Your therapist may also recommend getting more exercise, reducing your stress, and the practice of mindfulness and meditation. Taking the client’s lifestyle into consideration results in creating a holistic individualized treatment plan.
