Anxiety is a condition that often goes ignored or undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed as depression or dismissed as simple “stress.” But anxiety can actually be a crippling condition that makes engaging in day-to-day activities–or specific activities–very challenging for a person. Fortunately, there is help available. At Life Insight, we offer anxiety counseling near Brookfield. If you are struggling with anxiety or are unsure about whether or not you have anxiety, please call us today to learn more about our counselors and our services.
Experiencing some level of anxiety is perfectly normal. However, some people experience levels of anxiety that can be intrusive and even disabling.
Anxiety can present itself in a number of different ways. Some people who experience anxiety will have persistent worry and fear about daily situations, such as engaging in social situations or preparing for a presentation at work or school. Some people will have panic attacks.
There are a few different types of anxiety disorders. These include generalized anxiety disorder, where people feel anxious and panicked about everyday events; social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, where a person avoids social situations due to high levels of worry and fear about being judged by others; panic disorders, where an individual experiences recurring episodes of shortness of breath, panic, and chest pain; and separation anxiety disorder, which is a disorder that affects children and occurs when children are separated from their parents or other caregivers.
While anxiety will probably never go away, there are a variety of different tools that you can use to help manage your anxiety and take control of your negative thinking patterns and your life.
Your therapist will work with you to learn more about the root causes of your anxiety and tips for coping. For example, your counselor can offer a variety of techniques for getting grounded if you’re feeling anxious, such as taking some deep breaths, doing some exercise to get your heart rate up, and distracting yourself by naming things that you can see, smell, feel, and hear.
Your counselor can also help you to design a new narrative in your head. For example, rather than focusing on the worst-case scenario for the issue, you’re anxious about (i.e., If I go to the party everyone will think I’m stupid), telling yourself a new story (i.e., If I go to the party, I will probably have a good time and have an opportunity to make friends).
Many people struggle with anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be something that you cope with alone–there is help available. At Life Insight, our team of counselors knows how exhausting living with anxiety is, and we want to help. When you call our counselors for anxiety counseling near Brookfield, we’ll provide you with confidential, personalized treatment. Please reach out to us today for a consultation–you can call our office directly or send us a message at your convenience for more information.