What is anxiety therapy?
Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Harrisonburg, VA can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your day-to-day anxiety or your anxiety disorder.
How does anxiety therapy work?
Anxiety therapy involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Thriveworks Harrisonburg therapists will then work with you to determine where your anxiety might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.
How to deal with anxiety?
One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what's really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
Symptoms of anxiety
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Sense of impending danger
- Nervousness/restlessness
- Trouble focusing
- Excessive sweating
- Shaking
- Headaches
- Stomach issues
- Fatigue
- Panic attacks
- Increased heart rate
What is the best therapy for anxiety?
Is anxiety therapy conducted in person or online?
Anxiety therapy is conducted both in person and online, depending on the individual's preferences and their therapist's availability. We suggest choosing the option that best suits your needs.
How long does anxiety therapy last?
On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that's being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.
Is therapy worth it for anxiety?
Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.
Need more help deciding?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Even though anxiety comes in many forms, when most people talk about anxiety, they are referencing what mental health professionals call Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) gives criteria for diagnosing GAD (DSM-5 300.02 [F41.1]). You may have generalized anxiety disorder if you…
- Are feeling above normal anxiety and worry for the majority of the day, on more days than not, and in a variety of setting (such as school, work, home, and more). This feeling will last for at least 6 months.
- Cannot control these feeling of anxiety and worry.
- Are also experiencing a minimum of three of these symptoms (children only need to experience one for a diagnosis):
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Difficulty staying on task or concentrating
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Sleep disruptions (either hypersomnia or insomnia)
- The symptoms of anxiety will disrupt an individual’s social and professional life as well as cause distress.
- Another medical condition or a substance cannot cause these symptoms.
- The symptoms also cannot be a part of another mental health disorder (such as obsessive compulsive disorder).
GAD affects all kinds of people—men and women, young and old. Age can affect the way that the anxiety manifests. Adolescence may experience the anxiety about peer relationships and school. Adults may worry more about their well-being, their family, and their finances. In all cases of GAD, the object of anxiety may differ, but the emotional symptoms are the same.
Coping with Anxiety
“If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Learn how to cope, sweet friend. There will always be dark days.” —Kris Carr
Treatment for anxiety disorders often involves a talk-based therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a medication, or a combination of the two. Nonetheless, there are strategies for managing anxiety at home. If you are feeling the effects of anxiety, here are a few tips for coping…
- Breathe deeply. Inhale while you count to four. Hold. Exhale as you count to four. Repeat this breathing pattern until some of the more difficult feelings dissipate.
- Envision yourself at a safe place. Think about your vacation, your favorite reading spot, a garden, or anywhere you feel rested and relaxed. Envision yourself at that safe place.
- Practice mindfulness. Focus all your energy on noticing what is happening in right here. Think about what you are feeling, emotionally and physically. Notice every sensation.
- Do the next thing. If you need to groceries, go to the grocery store. If you have a meeting at work, prepare for that meeting. Make a reasonable to-do list, and work your way through it. That may help you relax when you are able.
Appointments at Thriveworks Harrisonburg for Anxiety
If you are struggling with anxiety, know that help is available. Thriveworks Harrisonburg offers therapy for anxiety. When you contact our office, you may be meeting with your therapist the following day. We offer evening and weekend appointments. We also accept many forms of insurance.
Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Harrisonburg today or go online to schedule an appointment today.
