Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength.

Charles Spurgeon

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.

Ambrose Redmon

One of the most distressing emotions one can feel is that of anxiety. And yet anxiety is the body's normal response to stress and gives us what our bodies need in order to respond to the true threats and dangers of life—that rush of chemicals that allows us to act (fight), retreat (flight), or become utterly still and wait (freeze). But this very necessary coping mechanism becomes our enemy when we perceive threat and danger beyond what is typical or true. Anxiety becomes unhealthy and problematic when it interferes with a person's ability to function in their world in particular, and in society in general. With all anxiety comes the perception that we are in some way vulnerable, threatened, or in danger, either physically, mentally, or socially. The intensity of our anxiety can range from nervousness to utter panic, and is often profoundly affected by our childhood and life experiences. A childhood that was unsafe, or a secure childhood interrupted by a catastrophic or traumatic event may leave a person feeling especially vulnerable. Even if an event that would not typically be categorized as "traumatic" felt traumatic to a child, his/her perception of danger will be heightened. Like depression, anxiety affects our moods, thoughts, physical reactions, and behaviors.

General Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Feeling out of control
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Avoidance of social activity
• Headache
• Increased heart rate
• Feeling scared
• Perspiration
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Sleep disturbances
• Nail biting
• Excessive worrying
• Anxiousness
• Nervousness
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• The urge to escape/flee when in social gatherings

There are many types of anxiety disorders and it is important to identify them properly in order to establish proper therapy.

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by having exaggerated worries or fears over normal, day-to-day activities. People who suffer from GAD are overwhelmed by anxiety and are often unable to perform everyday tasks. They often expect disaster and the worst outcome from any situation. Symptoms of GAD include:

• An inability to relax
• Insomnia
• An inability to concentrate
• Becoming easily startled

Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder (OCD) leaves a person thinking about or doing certain rituals over and over again. She or he may need things arranged in a certain order if they are to feel calm or comfortable. Signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder are:

• The repetition of rituals and thoughts
• A need to check and double-check things
• A fear of germs
• A belief in extreme superstitions
• The need to count or tap in order to calm anxieties
• Being unable to control unwanted thoughts and behaviors

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is characterized by the fear of losing control or anticipating disaster when there is no substantial danger. Panic disorder typically involves the onset of panic attacks. Panic attacks are brief or sudden feelings of terror accompanied by profound physical symptoms (tightening of the chest, rapid heartbeat, profound perspiration, accelerated breathing). Symptoms of panic disorder also include avoiding activities that may trigger a panic attack, as well as the pervading fear of the next panic attack and where it will occur and that one will be unable to cope.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder is the fear of being separated from a safe environment or a loved one, and is commonly seen in children and teens. A person with separation anxiety disorder fears that something bad will happen to them, or to a loved one, if there is any physical separation. Signs of separation anxiety disorder include:

• Fear of physical separation
• Fear of being alone
• Refusal to go anywhere without a loved one
• Refusal to sleep without a loved one nearby
• Refusal to leave a comfortable/safe environment

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is typically described as the fear of being negatively perceived by others. One may live in constant fear of embarrassing oneself in public by making mistakes. Everyday tasks such as eating in restaurants or talking on the phone become a struggle. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:

• Fear of being judged by others
• Blushing
• Fear of social events
• Sweating
• Fear of embarrassment

Anxiety does not have to rule your life. There are many significant and effective treatments for anxiety and its disorders. The onset and patterns of anxiety are often triggered by a traumatic event such as the death of a parent, a car accident, or a significant separation from a loved one. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help you name and understand when and where your anxieties may have originated, how they continue to get the best of you, and what strategies you need to learn in order to regain confidence and a sense of safety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a commonly used method to treat anxiety. CBT is a goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that uses a practical, hand-on approach to problem-solving. By changing the patterns of thinking and behavior associated with one's anxieties, the anxiety itself can be addressed. It is possible to learn how to more accurately assess and test the level of threat/danger (anxiety) you feel, as well as increase your confidence in your ability to cope with the threats/dangers you encounter. EMDR therapy is extremely effective in addressing trauma that continues to leave us feeling vulnerable, in danger, and full of anxiety. EMDR allows the brain to process and "refile" a traumatic event by creating new neural paths related to that event, thus lowering—and often removing—the anxiety associated with past trauma. A skilled and compassionate therapist can help you name, understand, and reduce your anxiety. It is possible to gain courage, confidence, and boldness. It is possible to embrace, enter into, and enjoy a richer, more fulfilling, and more peaceful life.