Anxiety disorder is something you hear about often enough, but do we actually know enough about the disorder that we understand the illness in order to help us overcome it? Or is it that we think we understand it and believe the only way to overcome anxiety is medication and not taking an anxiety counseling program? A proven study showed that 5% of Americans actually suffer from anxiety disorder, however, not all of them can actually be treated which means anxiety and the effects it has on the human body continue to burden any individual.
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons why a person would go see a therapist. The true definition of anxiety is nervousness and inability to relax – Some level of anxiety is normal for certain human beings, but excessive anxiety can interfere with relationships, sleeping and eating patterns, work and school and basically all areas in life. Anxiety is also associated with depression and in many cases the two of them get confused for being the exact same illness. Anxiety has multiple forms, including phobias and obsessive compulsions and can often be found in people with psychotic symptoms especially those who are paranoid. Anxiety is also a symptom of Post Traumatic Stress and can take part in passive personalities which can actually lead to a panic attack.
Anxiety Therapy
Although anxiety is a normal response to human experience and survival, unlike the fight, flight, or high response, humans need anxiety in order to act and protect themselves from suffering. Having anxiety is completely normal and any individual will experience it at some point in their life, whether it be limited or mild. But, those who experience a heightened and uncomfortable level of anxiety are usually when one seeks treatment for their conditions. Rather than medicating the anxiety away as a permanent solution, anxiety counseling helps approach an individual’s anxiety with intense discussion which will help the person understand and heal the source of the anxiety. With this process it will allow the person to focus to understand, unravel and transform their anxiety levels to an extent. Whatever causes you to have higher levels of anxiety, it can be reduced dramatically or even resolved completely with therapy. Of course anxiety could be hereditary to some degree, but nonetheless, you can receive a great benefit in addressing anxiety with therapy.
Anxiety and the Body
If you experience anxiety, the following symptoms is what you should look out for; agitation, pacing, shaking, trembling, quivering, sweaty palms, racing heartbeat, insomnia, tension, headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
Anxiety and the Mind
Anxiety can include multiple symptoms in the mind which can include; racing thoughts, worries, excessive guilt, excessively fearful thoughts, obsessions, and magical thinking.
Anxiety and Social Life
If you are an individual who is anxious you might display social avoidance, nervousness, neediness, blaming, and an inability to maintain relationships or employment.
If you have a high level of anxiety you should consult with your doctor and also plan to go see an anxiety counselor.