ANXIETY
A tiny word that packs a big punch.
Understanding Your Anxiety.
That butterfly sensation in your chest prior to an important exam or the relentless concern that denies you a peaceful sleep - that's anxiety. It can manifest as a fleeting worry or an enduring struggle, intruding into the peace of your everyday existence. It's an experience that isn't exclusive to any particular group; it can afflict anyone, anytime.
So, what exactly is anxiety? Essentially, it is a natural emotion that the majority of people experience. It's your body's inherent reaction to stress, danger, or uncertainty. In small doses, it can be beneficial, priming you for approaching challenges. Yet, when anxiety grows too intense or is ever-present, it becomes obstructive to daily routines and escalates into a mental health disorder.
O2 Counseling provides a non-judgmental space for you to express your concerns, fears, and anxieties. Our empathetic therapists aim to identify your anxiety triggers and equip you with coping mechanisms to handle stressful situations better and regain control over your emotions.
The goal isn't just about treating symptoms;
it's about empowering you to lead a more balanced life equipped with skills to manage anxiety effectively so it no longer rules over you.
How do I know if I have Anxiety?
Assessment questions are just one part of a comprehensive evaluation that may include other methods, such as clinical interviews, medical exams, or psychological assessments. By answering these questions, you and your therapist can get a clearer picture of how anxiety is impacting daily life.
How often do you feel worried or nervous?
Are you able to stop or manage your worrying?
Do you worry about a lot of different things?
Do you have trouble relaxing?
Do you have difficulty focusing or does your mind go blank?
How is your worry affecting your overall quality of life and ability to function?
Have you experienced any physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing?
Do you avoid certain social situations or places?
If you answer "yes" to some of these questions, it may be an indication that you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety. It's important to remember that experiencing some level of worry or concern is normal, but if these feelings are persistent or severe enough to interfere with your daily life, reach out to see how our counseling services can help you.
Don’t let anxiety hold you back.
What are the different types of Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorder goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. An anxiety disorder happens when it interferes with your ability to function, you often overreact when something triggers your emotions or you can’t control your responses to situations. Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to get through the day. Here are the most common types of anxiety disorders:
Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily activities. This ongoing worry and tension may be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as restlessness, feeling on edge or easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension or problems sleeping.
Panic disorder is an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress at unexpected times that occurs repeatedly. A person with panic disorder may live in fear of the next panic attack.
Phobias are excessive and persistent fear of a specific object, situation or activity that is generally not harmful.
Social anxiety disorder is significant anxiety and discomfort about being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected or looked down on in social interactions. It is an extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific, repeated behaviors or obsessively focus on something.
Separation anxiety disorder is excessively fear or anxiety about separation from those with whom he or she is attached.
Illness anxiety disorder is anxiety about your health (formerly called hypochondria)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is anxiety following a traumatic event.
“Anxiety’s like a rocking chair.
It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you very far.”
—Jodi Picoult
Anxiety and Relationships
Anxiety can have a significant impact on romantic relationships. Anxious attachment is a type of attachment style characterized by a strong desire for closeness and intimacy with a romantic partner, coupled with a fear of rejection and abandonment. When someone experiences anxiety, they may feel constant worry or fear, which can interfere with their ability to fully engage in their relationship. Here are some ways in which anxiety can affect romantic relationships:
Difficulty Trusting: Anxiety can lead to a lack of trust in others, which can make it difficult for you to fully trust your partner. This lack of trust can cause feelings of jealousy or insecurity, leading to tension and conflict in the relationship.
Overthinking: Individuals with anxiety often overthink situations, which can lead to overanalyzing your partner's actions or intentions. This can cause unnecessary stress and strain in the relationship, especially if your partner feels like they are constantly being scrutinized.
Fear of Abandonment: Anxiety can also lead to a fear of being abandoned or rejected by a partner. This fear can cause you to cling to your partner or become overly dependent, which can be draining on the relationship.
Avoidance: On the other hand, anxiety can also lead to avoidance of certain situations or conversations, which can cause your partner to feel neglected or ignored. This can create feelings of frustration and resentment, further straining the relationship.
Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can also manifest physically, such as with panic attacks or gastrointestinal issues. These physical symptoms can affect the your ability to engage in physical intimacy or may cause you to withdraw from your partner.
It's important to note that attachment styles can be fluid and may change over time or with different partners. Additionally, it's not necessarily a black-and-white distinction, as individuals can exhibit traits of multiple attachment styles.
Get help managing your anxiety for yourself or your relationship with individual therapy.
FAQs about Anxiety
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Depression is a mental health condition that commonly co-exists with anxiety.
There is a strong link between alcohol and anxiety. Research shows that people with anxiety disorders are 2-3x more likely to have problems with drugs and alcohol.
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Anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults.
Generalized anxiety disorder affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
Anxiety disorders affect 25.1% of children between 13 and 18 years old.
Women are more than 2x as likely as men to get an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
WHO states the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.
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Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
African Americans have a higher prevalence rate for PTSD, at 9.1% versus 6.8% in non-Hispanic Whites