Anxiety is a natural response that occurs when your brain and body perceive potential danger in your surroundings. This response, often rooted in the instinct for self-preservation, can make the perceived threat feel like a matter of life or death. Whether the danger is social in nature or not, your brain and body may struggle to distinguish the difference. While everyone experiences anxiety in response to stress and uncertainty, individuals with anxiety disorders face significant challenges that impact their daily lives. Anxiety manifests in various ways, and recognizing its symptoms is crucial. Anxiety manifests in various ways, and recognizing its symptoms is crucial.
Symptoms include:
- Rapid breathing or hyperventilating
- Trembling
- Nervousness
- Racing thoughts
- Obsessive thoughts
- Catastrophizing
- Worrying
- Feeling out of control
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Intense fear or panic
- Avoidance behaviors
- Rigid rules
- Perfectionism
Types of Anxiety Disorders:
Steffen Counseling Services specializes in treating various anxiety disorders, each with its unique challenges. To determine if you have an anxiety disorder, our licensed professionals conduct a thorough assessment, considering the onset, frequency, and duration of your symptoms. Here are some common anxiety disorders:
- Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of specific places or situations causing panic and a sense of being trapped
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about everyday events without an apparent reason, leading to constant anticipation of disaster
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to repeat
- Panic Disorder: Sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms, occurring unexpectedly
- Social Anxiety: Anxiety or fear in situations where one may be scrutinized or judged by others, such as public speaking or meeting new people
- Specific Phobias: Intense, irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities
Treatment for Anxiety:
SCS offers personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Our therapists employ various therapeutic interventions, including:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): Identifying and modifying thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to effect positive change
- Mindfulness: Cultivating awareness and presence in the current moment to manage and limit anxious thoughts
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Integrating mindfulness with a focus on identifying values and committed action
- Somatic Therapy: Utilizing practices such as yoga and mindfulness to connect with the body and manage physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety
Each of these therapeutic approaches are designed to empower individuals in their journey towards better mental well-being. SCS therapists are committed to providing effective and compassionate support to help you overcome the challenges of anxiety and regain control of your life. Anxiety is highly treatable- take a look at our individual therapists and schedule an intake with a therapist today.