Are Anxiety and Stress Overwhelming You?

Anxiety disorders can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being and affect nearly every aspect of their life. Some of the symptoms and warning signs of anxiety can include the following:

• Excessive worry accompanied by difficulty breathing, muscle tension, dry mouth, sweating or heart palpitations

• Sweaty, cold, numb or tingly hands or feet

• Irritability, irrational fears or unrelenting negative thought patterns

• Difficulty sleeping

• Trouble feeling at ease in typical social settings

• Feeling detached, unreal or uncomfortable in your own skin

• Trouble performing in front of crowds or participating in ordinary social functions

• Isolation and avoidance of situations that might trigger anxiety

• A history of panic attacks or anxiety disorders in your family

For those who suffer from anxiety, life can be a tiresome struggle in which every hill feels like a mountain. You may be having trouble forming or maintaining relationships because you avoid social situations. You may even be passing up promotions or other opportunities out of a fear of inadequacy. Overall, you may find it difficult to enjoy your life because you are overly self-critical, prone to perfectionist behaviors and feeling lonely, ashamed or broken.

But, you don’t have to miss out on life any longer. Help is available. Would you like to take control of your anxiety and stress and start recognizing your full potential?

Anxiety Is a Very Common Mental Health Concern

If anxiety has become a disruptive part of your life, you are not alone. Anxiety disorders represent the most common mental health issues in America. It’s estimated that over 40 million US adults will experience an anxiety condition within any given year; that’s over 18 percent of the entire US adult population!

But, what causes anxiety? Why is it such a pervasive part of our society?

The causes of anxiety disorders are varied and generally result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Symptoms can be triggered by unresolved traumas, poor health habits, past negative experiences, unrealistic expectations, as well as work or relationship stress.

But, in my professional opinion, one of the key factors driving anxiety disorders in our country is a lack of connection. Technology plays a key role in that disconnect. It gives us the false impression that we are all genuinely connected. But instead of bringing us closer, it actually has the power to drive us apart.

Whether it’s cell phones, gaming systems or social media, the interference that technology creates between people can be stressful and alienating. Over time, the effects can become ingrained and eventually lead to physical and mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression.

Fortunately, with the help of a compassionate and experienced anxiety therapist, you can learn to overcome self-defeating thought patterns and live the life you want for yourself.

Anxiety Therapy Can Change the Way You Live

Anxiety is a very treatable condition and counseling has been shown to have a profound effect on the healing process. Working with a therapist gives you a space in which you can cultivate an authentic connection with another person and jumpstart the healing process. In time, you can change the way you perceive yourself and interact with the world around you.

In our initial session, we’ll gently explore your family history or personal experiences to shine a light on what may be contributing to your situation. I’ll offer you education about the biology of anxiety, why it happens and how it affects your body and mind. I’ll also teach you how to slow down and cultivate a greater awareness of your thoughts and bodily sensations.

Because everyone experiences anxiety differently, I strive to help my clients according to their individual needs and expectations for therapy. For example, I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that can address unhelpful thought patterns, such as feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth. I may offer you mindfulness or meditation strategies for calming intense emotions or preventing anxiety attacks. Or, if you are having issues with performance or social anxiety, we can use visualization exercises to acclimate you to a situation before you encounter it in real life.

Ultimately, we want to change the way you perceive yourself so you can adopt a more realistic thought pattern that reflects who you really are, as well as the opportunities available to you. Eventually, you can learn how to deal with stress, identify triggers for your anxiety and overcome the problematic physical sensations causing distress.

I understand the impact that anxiety can have on careers, relationships and personal ambitions. And, I want you to know that it is entirely possible for you to have a richer life. You can enjoy deeper connections with others and a truer connection to yourself. Over time, you can have a life that is calmer, more secure and more fulfilling than you thought was ever possible.

I am considering anxiety therapy, but I still have a few questions and concerns…

I am scared that you will make me do the very things I am afraid of.

Whatever your situation, I will meet you where you are and tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs. Recovering from anxiety may require you to periodically challenge yourself, but our goal is to move beyond that stress in small incremental steps. And although I know you are scared, I am here to be your safety net, to catch you if you fall and to celebrate with you when you succeed.

How long will anxiety therapy take?

Everyone responds to therapy differently.  There are many factors to consider that we don’t know until we get started. Although not a guarantee, if you are willing to take the small steps that are outside of your comfort zone, generally you will see some progress in as little as a couple of weeks. For others, learning how to overcome anxiety or manage its symptoms may take longer. It may also be necessary to periodically return for a tune-up.

My anxiety is so bad that I don’t even think I can make it to your office.

In some cases, I may initially provide online counseling services to help clients acclimate to in-person sessions. Video sessions have been shown to be effective. However, particularly for social anxiety, in-person sessions provide the extra element of nervous system connection that can be invaluable for overcoming anxiety. I will use these online sessions, on a case-by-case basis, to bolster your confidence enough to see me in-person. Together, we can resolve your anxiety and help you take control of your life.

Overcoming Anxiety Is Possible

If anxiety issues are affecting the way you live your life, I can help. Please call 678-631-8099 or email me at KatHainesTherapy@Hushmail.com to set up your free, 15-minute consultation. I would be honored to answer any questions you may have about my practice or approach to anxiety counseling.