919-306-1711 | christina@carynctherapy.com
Anxiety has many characteristics and can be a confusing problem for many people. This is because some anxiety, while considered a “negative” emotion, is actually hardwired into us and it is actually essential for performance and to function in the world. Not all anxiety is problematic.
Anxiety Disorders on the other hand, have characteristics that are often disproportionate in intensity or duration to the actual circumstances around it. It can involve thoughts that other people think are distorted or don’t “fit” the situation but seem very real to you. Anxiety can also worsen significantly when you become anxious about being anxious!
Are you Anxious?
- Do you feel tense, worried, fretful, even when people reassure you?
- Do you wake up early in the morning, ruminating about work or other problems?
- Do you pay special attention to avoiding things that make you frightened?
- Do you worry about and react to things that haven’t happened yet?
- Do you worry about freak accidents or terrible things happening to your family or friends?
- Are you driving your family crazy with obsessing, and planning, avoiding germs, and double checking?
- Have you been to the emergency room more than once because you think you are dying?
- Do you feel like your anxiety is getting worse or interfering with your relationships?
Although most anxiety symptoms are understandable, and even justified given the severity of a person’s life or history, the day-to-day toll on a person’s life cannot be underestimated. It is important to note that anxiety can also be caused by or a side effect of various medical conditions, medication or substance use, and it is often a feature of many mental health conditions such as Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, or Personality Disorders.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily startled
- Constant worry and fretting
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Always planning for the worst
- Rapid heart-beat
- Inability to relax
- Increase need for alcohol or medication
- Dry mouth, sweaty hands, muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Frequent Nausea or Headache
Anxiety treatment that includes careful assessment along with an evidence based treatment such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Exposure Therapy can help you create a more relaxed and joyful life. Contact Christina Unruh, MSW, LCSW to find out more about these treatments.