Anxiety

We all feel anxious from time to time for different reasons. Sometimes it can be just a mild feeling of unease. Indeed, a certain amount of anxiety can be healthy and beneficial, such as the anxiety a person feels before giving a speech, a musical performance or before playing a basketball game. Anxiety crosses a threshold to an unhealthy level once it interferes with performance in a negative manner.

For example, some people feel anxious in social situations to a degree which makes them feel physically uncomfortable and causes them to be very quiet, to "clam up," impeding their ability to enjoy the social event and to make new friends. This anxiety, unchecked and not dealt with properly can escalate to a point of crisis, bringing on panic attacks and causing the sufferer to abstain from necessary social interactions such as maintenance of important, supportive friendships, being able to succeed in pressured situations such as job interviews or to carry out their work if it involves interacting with others on a regular basis.

Panic attacks

Panic attacks can be described as literally feeling like you are going to die and include symptoms such as sweating, nausea, pain in stress-storing muscles such as the shoulders, inability to breathe, a pounding heart and a general sense of wanting to get away from the environment or situation which has triggered the panic attack. In severe instances, a person may vomit or see black spots in his/her vision and may very well pass out.

Some experience other panic symptoms as well, related phobias such as that of crowds, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD) and increased stress in reaction to anxiety. Symptoms may include ticks such as repetitive purposeless movements, shaking hands, obsessions like being afraid of dirt and washing the hands much more often than necessary and may escalate to direct forms of self-harm such as drug abuse.

The treatment of anxiety

Anxiety of all forms can be reduced by the adoption of a healthy routine, getting plenty of sleep, a healthy diet, enough exercise and through techniques such as meditation that help reduce stress.

Treatment of anxiety can include medication, such as anti-depressants and/or anti-convulsants such as Lexapro or Klonopin, respectively. It is our view, however, that medications should only be used if natural remedies are insufficient and/or the symptoms interfere with treatments such as talk therapy or exposure therapy.

Exposure therapy is an excellent treatment of anxiety because it simply involves gradually exposing yourself to problem situations and environments which, over time and increased exposure periods can increase your natural stamina and ability to develop will-power and increased self-awareness which can lead to increased self-regulation.

Anxiety should be seen as a challenge to overcome through self-regulation, determination and perseverance, not a helpless and hopeless condition.

For example, if someone has panic attacks at large family gatherings, (s)he can spend some time around everyone, interacting, and when a break is needed, leave the location discretely and seek solitary space to recharge the batteries and flush out the anxiety. Ater a short break, (s)he can rejoin the family milieu.

It helps to have at least one person present in such situations who is understanding, accepting and caring about your anxiety issues, especially when you are in situations or environments which provoke anxiety or panic attacks and may only get worse if others misinterpret your actions or general behavior. Sometimes an anxious person has nothing to hide but their anxiety, despite what the police shows on television indicate.

The therapists at the Ardent Center can help you to work on establishing a good routine for yourself, identify your triggers, set goals for building your stamina to withstand anxiety and teach you techniques to reduce anxiety as it is occurring, greatly reducing your chances of having any panic attacks in the future.

We can help you deal with anxiety in Chicago or wherever you are via Skype, telephone or other methods.

It can also help to talk to a therapist face-to-face because sometimes there can be an underlying reason for our anxiety of which we are not aware. Dealing with underlying issues can rapidly increase the pace of improvement in treatment of anxiety.

What should I do next?

Contact us to arrange for face to face therapy in Chicago (city, north, west and southsides) and in the Northern, Southern and Western Suburbs or online therapy in other areas by phoning 1-888-870-1775 or by contacting us.