Anxiety: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Anxiety is a common feeling most people experience at least once in their lifetime. It is our body’s natural alarm system that lets us know when there is something wrong or that we are in danger. It can occur in specific situations like at school, at work, or in social situations. It can be less specific and occur when stressed or when going through various transitions in life. Although anxiety often has a negative connotation, anxiety is not always a bad thing. Anxiety can push us to complete tasks, motivate us to do our best, and help us analyze situations from different perspectives. Anxiety can be a message that lets us know when to check-in with ourselves. Anxiety is such a broad experience that does not discriminate who experiences it... but how do we know when our anxiety is excessive? What are ways that we can relieve our own anxiety? How do we know when to seek help?
Clinical Terminology:
If you have excessive anxiety that is not linked to a specific trigger, you may be familiar with the term Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This means that your anxiety is more negative than positive and it affects your functioning on a daily basis. People with GAD often experience excessive worry and difficulty controlling it, restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems or their mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. The excessive worry has to have occurred for at least 6 months throughout a majority of the days and it has to have caused significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.
What You Can Do for Anxiety Relief:
When in the midst of wanting anxiety relief, it can be easy to reach for our favorite junk foods or our favorite sugary or alcoholic drink. As a person who is familiar with the struggles of anxiety, these things may be helpful temporarily, however, they key is moderation. Too much of these can negatively affect energy levels, sleep cycles, and overall mood. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, especially when distressed from anxiety.
Physical activity is also a great way to decrease symptoms of anxiety. A regular routine of exercise may not only lower your anxiety symptoms, but can also improve your mood, self-esteem, and sleep. This does not mean you have to run to your local gym and immediately sign up for a membership to start the most intensive training possible (if this is what you want to do, then by all means, go for it!). Pick out something that would feel enjoyable to YOU and try to stick to it. Swimming, dancing, walking, bike riding, and playing a sport, are some of the many ways to stay active. If you are able, make time to move your body with intention.
When you feel you have nothing else, always remember your breath. Deep breathing can be an efficient way to self-soothe in the moment. It is a grounding tool that many mental health professionals recommend. Deep breathing paired with meditation, physical activity, positive affirmations, and even journaling can be a great tool to use when dealing with anxiety. There are several deep breathing techniques and guided grounding audio that can be listened to online!
When to Seek Help
If you feel that your anxiety is negatively impacting you socially, occupationally, or in other important areas in your life, it may be time to seek help. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety treatment can be beneficial to finding the root of your anxiety and long-term ways of coping. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a great therapy to use for anxiety treatment and there is evidence that it works. CBT ultimately helps you develop the skill of identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to your excessive anxiety to ultimately decrease the anxiety over time.
There are several other therapies that may also be beneficial to treating your anxiety. It can be helpful to figure out what you want the most in a therapist. When speaking with a mental health provider, it is important to be open and honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. By doing this, you allow for a more accurate diagnosis and can rule out any other potential diagnoses. If you feel like the therapy is not enough, talk to a trusted psychiatrist about your symptoms and whether or not medication will be beneficial to you in addition to therapy.
Final Thoughts
Wherever you are in combating your symptoms of anxiety, know that you are not your diagnosis. Your mental health is important, and it may be best to prioritize your well-being and seek help. There are many therapists and mental health professionals that are ready and willing to help you with the struggles you are facing.
GET STARTED WITH ANXIETY THERAPY IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX TODAY!
At Luxx Therapy, we understand that taking the initial step to reach out for help can be challenging when dealing with anxiety. Here's what you can anticipate when you call or email us: You will be greeted by a member of our administrative team, all of whom are also therapists. This ensures that you'll encounter empathy and understanding right from your first contact with us to your ongoing interactions. We'll ask you a few general questions about your specific concerns related to anxiety so that we can match you with the therapist best suited to assist you. We encourage you to visit our website and explore the profiles of our therapists, giving you the autonomy to choose the therapist who aligns best with your needs. Take these steps to initiate your journey toward managing and overcoming anxiety with us.
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OTHER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE AT LUXX THERAPY
In addition to Therapy for Anxiety, we offer a wide range of services at Luxx Therapy geared towards meeting you where you are in your mental health journey including Trauma Therapy and Couples Therapy. We will walk the path to understanding and healing with you whether you are in need of Individual Counseling, Couples Counseling, or Family Therapy! Reach out to us today.