Seek Counseling for Anxiety

“You’re giving me anxiety right now!”

How many times have you heard this phrase or said it yourself? Often, when people use the word anxiety in this context, they mean to say they’re feeling stressed out or nervous. But anxiety is a very real disorder that affects around 40 million Americans. Categorized as a mood disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can place unnecessary stress on daily life. There are others, too- obsessive-compulsive, post traumatic stress (PTSD), panic disorder, social disorder, and specific phobias, such as having intense fear of clowns and balloons.

The good news is that anxiety disorders are some of the most treatable mental health-related problems, next to depression. Patients who receive counseling for anxiety can and do overcome anxiety-related suffering. Just because you suffer from anxiety does not mean there is something wrong with you or the way you were brought up. Anxiety disorders come from a combination of environmental stress, brain changes, and genetics.

How to Know If You Have Anxiety

True anxiety disorders last at least 6 months or more. The most marked symptom is excessive, irrational worry that occurs seemingly without significant cause or reason. Without proper counseling for anxiety, symptoms can become worse with time. Chronic stress can physically alter your brain structures and nerve cells.

Some common symptoms of anxiety disorder are:

• muscle tension
• excessive worrying
• having trouble sleeping
• sweaty palms
• feelings of fear or general uneasiness

Counseling for Anxiety Treatment

Your first counseling session will sound similar to an interview. Your counselor gathers enough information to build a clear picture of you and your case, but don’t worry- many questions are standard to everyone your counselor treats. The first session is a great opportunity to get to know your counselor and become comfortable talking about your feelings. Everything shared with your counselor remains completely confidential, unless your counselor has reason to believe you are considering hurting yourself or someone else.

With the proper medication, therapy, and positive lifestyle changes, you can be treated successfully for anxiety disorder.

If you or a loved one are suffering from anxiety or depression, please get in touch with our Boynton Beach counseling center by calling 561-468-6464.”>561-468-6464.