Our therapists provide anxiety therapy in Cedar Park, TX

Anxiety in Cedar Park, TX—Counseling and Therapy

Anyone who has anxiety knows what it means to…

• Feel worried and nervous all the time.
• Be isolated and lonely, thinking they are the only one who feels this way.
• Be unable to explain to loved ones how difficult and draining it is to be constantly anxious.
• Never have a rest from the weight of these difficult feelings.
• Dialogue with themselves, in their heads, focusing upon all the fears and inadequacies and insecurities.

All people feel afraid or worried or even anxious at times. When these feelings are acting as they should, they rise and then they fall quickly and naturally. Anxiety disorders are a very different experience. When people have anxiety disorders, the feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear rise and stay. Anxiety changes the way an individual’s brain functions so that these feelings are unmanageable. Just like cancer or diabetes, anxiety is a serious medical condition. Also like other serious illnesses, there are effective treatments for anxiety. With a mental health professional’s intervention, many people can heal from anxiety.

When worry is a constant part of your life, consider reaching out for help. Thriveworks Cedar Park offers treatment for anxiety. Our therapists understand what anxiety is, how it functions, and the treatment options that are available for it.

What Is Anxiety?

Most people speak about anxiety in a singular way. While there are many common denominators to each form, there are many different forms of anxiety disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, 5th Edition (DSM-5) gives the diagnostics for several anxiety disorders. Here are just a few:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – This is the disorder that most people simply call “anxiety.” Generalized anxiety disorder causes people to feel acute anxiety for the majority of the day. This feeling will be present on more days than not and for at least six continuous months. Other symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and restlessness will also be present.
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD) – This is a form of anxiety that surfaces around social interactions. When people have SAD, they often do anything to avoid social events and interactions with strangers. When people with SAD are around people, they often feel judged and embarrassed, even in the presence of people who care about them. Social anxiety disorder keeps people from the very thing they most need—relationships.
• Panic disorder – For some people, their anxiety surfaces as a panic attack. When people experience more than one panic attack, they may have panic disorder. A panic attack can occur from out of the blue. When symptoms begin to show, they escalate for several minutes and then subside. Symptoms include numb limbs, hot flashes, difficulty breathing, racing heart, chills, and more. Often, people feel as though they are dying, even though they are medically fine.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – When people experience a traumatic event, they also experience extreme anxiety and stress. At times, even though the event passes, these feelings may not. They may develop into PTSD. People who have post-traumatic stress disorder may have flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories about the trauma. They often live with a heightened sense of awareness and constant anxiety.

Anxiety’s Emotional and Physical Challenges

Many people who suffer from anxiety also experience…

• Disrupted appetite – Anxiety often changes an individual’s appetite, causing them to overeat or under-eat. People’s weight often fluctuates accordingly.
• Irregular sleep patterns – Similar to appetite, anxiety can disrupt people’s sleep patterns, causing either hypersomnia or insomnia.
• Fatigue – Fighting a mental disorder is draining. When people have anxiety, everyday activities can take enormous strength.
• Difficulty focusing – When an individual’s mind is filled with negative emotions, it can be difficult for them to concentrate.
• Indecisiveness – When thinking is difficult, so is making a decision. Anxiety can leave people stuck in big and small decisions.

Treatment for Anxiety at Thriveworks Cedar Park

As you read about anxiety, did you recognize anything? If so, consider reaching out for mental health care. Anxiety has treatments, and therapists can often help. When you call Thriveworks Cedar Park, know that you will not be put on a waitlist, but you may have your first appointment within just 7 days. We offer weekend and evening sessions, and we work with many different insurance companies. If you are ready to get started, we are too. Call Thriveworks Cedar Park today.