Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal response to stressors in a person’s life. People often experience anxiety when on a first date, public speaking, starting a new job, making an important decision and in a host of other circumstances. Experiencing mild anxiety before new experiences can actually be beneficial. However, there are times when anxiety starts to interfere with life, making it difficult to function on a day-to-day basis. About 18 percent of the U.S. population, in any given year, will experience an excessive amount of anxiety.

When Anxiety Becomes a Problem

Sometimes people experience debilitating anxiety after going through traumatic experiences, social interactions, specific fears or general worry about numerous events or activities. When worry becomes excessive, some people experience panic attacks. Panic attacks occur when someone has intense, sudden fear. Some symptoms of panic attacks include muscle tension, shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, pounding heart, feeling of choking, nausea, chills, hot flushes, fear of dying or fear of losing control.

Anxiety in children sometimes looks different than anxiety in adults. Children with anxiety may appear to have behavioral problems similar to ADHD. Children may have difficulty concentrating and appear easily distracted in the classroom or at home. Children with anxiety often fidget and have difficulty sitting still. Some children may complain of stomachaches or headaches.

When anxiety starts to interfere with your life, it may be time for help.

What can you do?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and sometimes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, can work for many people experiencing anxiety disorders. The Counseling Connection therapists are trained to help you deal with and conquer anxiety problems.

We understand the decision to get outside help with an anxiety problem is not always an easy one. Some helpful questions to ask yourself may be, “Am I experiencing…”

• Excessive, uncontrollable worry?
• Difficulty concentrating?
• Sleep difficulties?
• Changes in appetite?
• Panic attacks?
• Avoidance of feared situations?

Answering “yes” to one or more of the above questions may indicate that anxiety is interfering with your life. The Counseling Connection is here to help. Call us for an appointment at 304.340.3676.