Overcoming Axiety

Successfully Overcoming Anxiety and Stress

As human beings, we all experience some degree of anxiety and stress in our lives. Meeting tight deadlines, speaking in public, first dates, and rush hour traffic are just a few of the many everyday occurrences that can cause us stress and anxiety.

Mild anxiety and stress in circumstances such as these shouldn’t be seen as bad. In fact, anxiety is a normal response that stems directly from our natural survival instincts. Anxiety can help us become more focused and alert when faced with difficult, challenging, or dangerous situations.

That having been said, not all anxiety or stress is benign or beneficial. Unlike the mild or situational anxiety and stress we all experience from time to time, ongoing or severe anxiety can greatly interfere with one’s ability to function effectively in all areas of life.

Severe anxiety can affect virtually anyone and can be triggered by numerous events. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost 20% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of anxiety disorder in any given year.

Fortunately, a variety of treatment options are available for those who are suffering from excessive and recurring stress and anxiety. While there are some that will need medication to manage symptoms of anxiety.   Research shows combining talk therapy with medication is most effective.  The goal is to be able to move forward again in life with optimism and confidence.

Should You Seek Anxiety Treatment?

Before you begin seeking treatment for anxiety, you should first consider the severity of the difficulties you’re experiencing as well as the options available.

The symptoms of severe anxiety and stress are almost as varied as the individuals experiencing them. Drastic changes in appetite, oversleeping, insomnia, listlessness and a general lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, frequent headaches, and mood swings are just a few common symptoms of severe anxiety.

Extreme anxiety can also adversely affect your personal and professional relationships. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from excessive anxiety attempt to conceal their problems and deal with them in isolation. This leads them to withdraw from social contact as well as from friends and family members they once enjoyed spending time with.

 Severe and recurring anxiety can quickly escalate beyond our ability to control our thoughts and behaviorist.  If you believe you’re suffering from excessive anxiety it's strongly recommended you seek professional help as soon as possible.

The Benefits of Anxiety Counseling and Therapy

While numerous anxiety treatments are available, seeking the assistance of a professional therapist who specializes in providing anxiety counseling can help you:

• Determine the severity of your anxieties

• Understand the underlying causes of your anxieties
• Learn effective coping strategies so you can minimize the adverse effects of anxiety and move forward again.
• Help you decide whether or not you need professional counseling, prescription medications or both.
  
• Work towards resolving the beliefs and behaviors that trigger your anxieties.
  
• Improve your self confidence and self-esteem.