Do I need Counseling for my Anxiety?
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal emotion. It’s your brain’s way of reacting to stress and alerting you of potential danger ahead.
Everyone feels anxious now and then. You may feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test at school, or before giving a presentation.
Occasional anxiety is normal. But anxiety disorders are different. Anxiety disorder can cause constant and overwhelming worry and fear. This feeling can make you avoid work, school, family get-togethers, and other social situations that might trigger or worsen your symptoms. With treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can manage their feelings.
What are the Major Types of Anxiety Disorders?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by excessive worry about everyday things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their anxiety and stay focused on daily tasks.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD results in repeated, unwanted thoughts and rituals that interfere with everyday living. Some people worry that the stove was left on and even after check a few times, still worry about the stove being on. Some coping mechanisms of OCD are rituals that will prevent something “bad” from happening, such as washing your hands several times to prevent disease.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterized by panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden waves of terror in which your body may convulse, have difficulty breathing, or feel like your dying. Panic attacks usually subside after about half an hour, but they can leave you feeling exhausted. Having a panic attack once or twice in your life is not out of the ordinary, however, repeated attacks in a week- or month-long period are a sign of Panic Disorder.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD can develop after you have experienced something out of the ordinary that has “shocked” your world. It is possible that you relive this event in the form of daydreams or nightmares. You may not be able to live a normal life because of the anger and depression that are often symptoms of PTSD. The traumatic experience that triggers PTSD may be prompted by a variety of events, such as serving in the military or being the victim of rape or childhood abuse.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder or social phobia, can leave you unable to leave your house for fear of being judged by others. Not only is it difficult for people with a social phobia to maintain friendships, but it may also be hard to hold down a job or go grocery shopping. If you have Social Anxiety Disorder, you are constantly worried about what others think of you to the point that you may avoid social interactions altogether.
Anxiety Disorders Treatment & Counseling
If you find that anxiety is limiting your ability to lead a productive life, don’t be afraid to seek anxiety disorder counseling from a trained professional. Ninety percent of people with an anxiety disorder find at least some relief after seeking counseling, and you can learn long-term techniques for coping with an anxiety disorder so that it is no longer disruptive to your life. Learn the facts on anxiety!