What is anxiety therapy?
Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington 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?
Treatment for Anxiety in Wilmington, NC—Therapists and Psychologists
Many people who have anxiety…
- Feel near-constant worry or nervousness.
- Do not know how to explain to their friends and family members that these emotions take a toll on their body and mind.
- Rarely have a break from the burden of these heavy emotions.
- Feel lonely and isolated, as if they are they are the only ones who struggle.
- Carry on a dialogue in their own head that focuses their attention upon fear and insecurity.
Everyone feels worried or afraid at times, but anxiety is a very different experience. Natural emotions rise and fall. Anxiety disorders mean that the anxiety rises uncontrollably. It changes the way people’s brains function, and anxiety disorders are severe illnesses that often require medical interventions. The good news is that interventions are available. Often, healing from anxiety requires working with a mental health professional and seeking treatment.
If your thoughts are unfocused… if worry is a constant companion… if you feel alone… if you are looking for a therapist or psychologist in Wilmington, NC… know that help is available and you are in the right place. Thriveworks Counseling in Wilmington, NC offers treatment for anxiety, and we have helped many clients find the diagnosis and treatment they deserve. Reach out today to get started.
Common Anxiety Disorders
People often think of anxiety as a single illness, but it is a disorder that comes in several distinct forms. It is a very personal illness that can look differently in different people. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition acknowledges several kinds of anxiety disorders, including…
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – When people speak about anxiety, they are most often referring to this disorder. When people have GAD, they experience severe and persistent anxiety for most of the day, on more days than not, and for at least six months. They will also experience other symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, restlessness, and more.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) – When anxiety looks like a fear of social situations, it may be Social Anxiety Disorder. People who have SAD often go to great lengths to avoid social interaction and strangers. They often struggle with feeling deep embarrassment when they are around other people. They may also feel as if they are being judged (even if they are clearly not). SAD is a very isolating form of anxiety and often keeps people from the thing they need most—healthy relationships.
- Panic Disorder – Kevin Love had a panic attack, and so have many other people. A panic attack can happen without any forewarning. Often, the symptoms escalate for several minutes, until people feel as if they are having a heart attack or will die. Symptoms may include a racing heart, numb limbs, difficulty breathing, hot flashes, chills, and more. When people experience more than one panic attack, they may have an anxiety disorder called Panic Disorder.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – When people survive a traumatic event, the anxiety and stress that they feel during the event can continue long after the event has passed. Sometimes, this anxiety develops into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. When people have PTSD, they often live with a heightened sense of awareness. They may also experience flashbacks, memories, or nightmares about the event. The same emotions an individual experienced during the event can quickly come flooding back.
The Emotional and Physical Toll of Anxiety
Fighting any illness can be exhausting, and anxiety is no different. Anxiety exacts a high toll from those who suffer with it. Some of its side effects include…
- Disrupted Appetite – People may over-eat or lose their appetite completely. Weight fluctuations often occur.
- Irregular Sleep Patterns – People often experience insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Fatigue – Anxiety can drain people of their energy. Normal activity can take herculean strength, and leave people exhausted.
- Difficulty Focusing – Anxiety makes concentration a challenge. Clear thoughts are often elusive, and distractions often abound.
- Indecisiveness – Making a decision can be difficult when fighting anxiety. People often feel stuck, and daily choices may feel overwhelming.
Therapists and Psychologists in Wilmington, NC—Setting Up an Appointment
If you recognized any of the symptoms of anxiety, consider reaching out for help. There are many treatment options for anxiety, and a skilled therapist can often help people find the right option for them. They can also help people incorporate beneficial self-care practices into their day to day that enable them to manage anxiety on their own, like mindfulness.
At Thriveworks Counseling in Wilmington, NC, we are committed to helping our clients find the mental health care they need. When you call our office, you may be meeting with your therapist within the week. Weekend and evening appointments are available. We also accept many different forms of insurance. Let’s fight anxiety together. Call today for an appointment.
