Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety treatment in NC might be helpful if you…
- Feel stressed out & overwhelmed often?
- Have racing thoughts and excessive worrying keeping you up at night?
- Have trouble concentrating or find yourself being easily distracted?
- Feel tired or have muscle tension?
What is Anxiety?
The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, for instance, when you have a job interview or when you are about to become a new mom.
However, there is a difference between normal and abnormal anxiety. It becomes a problem when it stays for long periods of time, and/or is so frequent and/or intense. As a result, you just don’t feel good. Sometimes, it interferes with your daily activities, such as job performance, school/work, relationships, and daily living. If this is you, anxiety treatment can help. We provide counseling for anxiety in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Florida, so reach out today.
Types of Anxiety
Trauma Anxiety
Our brain is designed to ensure our survival as the most important goal. As a result, when people experience trauma, the brain, and nervous system can be affected in a way that leads to different perceptions of the world and a sense of safety. It can be adaptive if they are still in dangerous situations and the body can respond quickly without thinking. However, it can become a problem when people can’t feel safe when the danger is no longer present or they keep reliving the trauma anxiety. Their perception of danger or memories of being in danger can quickly trigger the stress response in the body leading to fear, nervousness, anxiety, and even panic.
There can also be fears of reliving the trauma in flashbacks or nightmares, anxiety about being reminded of the trauma, avoidance of those reminders, and fear of panic attacks. Counseling for anxiety has been shown to help with Trauma Anxiety.
Grief Anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience in people who are grieving. There may be a sense of fear and helplessness. People may experience intense anxiety about being in a world without the lost loved one, changing identities, or fear about moving on and forgetting the loved one. Anxiety can also come from being reminded of our own mortality and/or other loved ones’ mortality. Counseling for anxiety has been shown to significantly improve Grief Anxiety.
Perinatal Anxiety Disorders
According to a meta-analysis, “individual disorder prevalence estimates ranged from 1.1% for PTSD to 4.8% for a specific phobia, with the prevalence of having at least one or more disorder estimated to be 20.7% [16.7% to 25.4%].”
Perinatal or postpartum anxiety symptoms can include constant worrying, racing thoughts, restless sleep or sleep difficulty, intrusive thoughts or images, panic, and other physical symptoms of anxiety such as hyperventilation.
Examples of anxiety disorders according to the DSM-5:
- Specific Phobia is major anxiety when you encounter a specific object or situation and a desire to avoid it. In addition, phobias may lead to panic attacks in some people.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) involves high levels of anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social situations due to feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness, and concern about being judged or viewed negatively by others.
- Panic Disorder involves repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). You may have feelings of impending doom, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heart (heart palpitations). You may feel like you are having a heart attack. Consequently, these panic attacks may lead to worrying about them happening again or avoiding situations in which they’ve occurred.
- Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and often avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless, or embarrassed.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder includes persistent and excessive anxiety and worries about activities or events — even ordinary, routine issues. Moreover, the worry is out of proportion to the actual circumstance, is difficult to control, and affects how you feel physically. It often occurs along with other anxiety disorders or depression.
These are the common anxiety disorders that Mindspace Counseling can treat for residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.
What are some common anxiety symptoms?
Different people may experience anxiety in different ways and in different intensities. Essentially, however, it triggers the body’s fight or flight system, which leads to a set of , emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms.
Some common examples I’ve seen as an anxiety therapist in Charlotte, NC are as follows:
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as upset stomach
- Having difficulty controlling worry
Anxiety Treatment in North Carolina Can Help
Once you have seen your primary care provider and have ruled out an underlying medical condition as the cause of your anxiety, you can look at the two main anxiety treatment options: counseling (therapy) and medications. If you are considering medications, please talk to your medical providers about the different medications, their risks, and potential benefits.
The modality we use to treat anxiety in counseling is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). According to the Mayo Clinic, “it is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.” We may also use exposure therapy which is part of CBT. It means we may ask you to gradually approach situations or things that make you anxious. In this way, you may find out that the monster you fear has no teeth. Therefore, you will be able to do what you need to do and continue to build confidence in the process. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), another evidence-based approach can also be utilized when appropriate.
What Can Anxiety Treatment and Therapy Do for You?
With the help of our anxiety therapist, you will gain a better understanding of how your thoughts and behaviors may have contributed to your anxiety. You will learn specific skills to help you manage your anxiety symptoms and be able to function more effectively in your daily life. If you live in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Florida, please reach out to schedule by clicking below:
Click one of the buttons below to schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation
With the help of anxiety treatment, you will:
- gain a better understanding of how your thoughts and behaviors may have contributed to and even perpetuate your anxiety
- learn specific skills to help you manage your symptoms and
- be able to function more effectively in your daily life
- have improved quality of life and satisfaction
Get Started with Anxiety Treatment in North Carolina and South Carolina today!
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life anymore. You deserve to live a life free of worry and full of present-mindedness. Get started with an anxiety therapist in North Carolina today with these steps:
- Contact Mindspace Counseling
- Meet with one of our anxiety therapists
- Start overcoming your anxiety and taking your life back!
Other Services Offered at Mindspace Counseling
Therapy for anxiety is not the only service we offer at our North Carolina-based therapy practice. We know that there are many other services that can help with mental health. Others we provide include trauma treatment, grief counseling, EMDR therapy. If you’re struggling with anything postpartum, we offer perinatal mental health counseling as well. In fact, we can help you virtually via online therapy in North Carolina, South Carolina, and online therapy in Florida. Get connected with us today.
Common questions about Anxiety Treatment
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive and persistent, it can interfere with daily life. It often involves excessive worry and fear about everyday situations.
When should I seek professional help for anxiety?
It’s advisable to seek professional help if anxiety significantly impacts your daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being. Persistent symptoms, such as excessive worry, panic attacks, or physical discomfort, may indicate the need for treatment.
What types of professionals provide anxiety treatment?
Anxiety treatment is often provided by mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists. The type of professional will depend on the severity of the anxiety and individual preferences.
What are common treatment approaches for anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication, or a combination of both. Other helpful strategies include support groups, stress management classes, and lifestyle modifications.
How does therapy help with anxiety?
Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety. It provides coping strategies and tools to manage symptoms effectively.
Is medication necessary for anxiety treatment?
Medication may be recommended in severe cases or when anxiety symptoms are significantly impacting daily life. It’s often prescribed in conjunction with therapy. Speak with a medical practitioner to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages.
Can lifestyle changes help manage anxiety?
Yes, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing anxiety. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can contribute to overall well-being.
How long does anxiety treatment take to show results?
The duration of treatment varies for each individual. Some people may experience relief relatively quickly, while others may require more time. Consistency with therapy and following a treatment plan are key factors in achieving positive outcomes.
Can anxiety be completely cured?
While complete elimination of anxiety may not be realistic, effective treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning. Many individuals learn to manage and cope with anxiety successfully.
Are there alternative therapies for anxiety treatment?
Complementary therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness meditation may be beneficial for some individuals. However, it’s essential to discuss these options with a healthcare professional to ensure they complement the overall treatment plan.
How can I support a loved one struggling with anxiety?
Offer empathy, understanding, and encouragement. Encourage them to seek professional help, and be patient as they navigate the treatment process. Learn more about anxiety to gain a deeper understanding of what they go through.
Is anxiety treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage varies, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine what services are covered and to what extent. Many mental health professionals accept insurance, but it’s recommended to verify coverage beforehand.
Main Areas and Towns Mindspace Counseling, PLLC Services in North Carolina:
Mindspace Counseling, PLLC also offers online therapy for adults in South Carolina, Florida, and internationally when permitted by licensing laws and regulations.