One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that’s being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.
Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.
Comprehensive Anxiety Therapy in Boulder, CO
Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide. At Thriveworks Counseling in Boulder, CO, we offer premier anxiety therapy to help you regain control of your thoughts and behaviors.
Our counselors are highly qualified to address the symptoms of anxiety and provide the support you need. If anxiety interferes with your relationships, work, school, or physical health, you can seek help from a licensed therapist at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO.
Call us at (720) 864-0574 to schedule your appointment today.
Understanding Panic Attacks and Prevention Techniques
Many people with anxiety also experience panic attacks, which can be terrifying and often mistaken for heart attacks. Symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Racing heart
- Stomach cramping
- A sense of impending doom
To prevent panic attacks, mental health professionals recommend the following techniques:
- Know your triggers.
- Make lifestyle modifications like increasing exercise or reducing caffeine intake.
- Regulate your breathing to send a calming signal to your brain.
- Seek professional treatment, including psychotherapy and possibly medication.
- Focus on something specific during the attack.
- Repeat calming mantras such as “This will pass” or “You are safe.”
- Engage your physical senses to ground yourself in your surroundings.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including urgent questions, mental and physical health issues, and maladaptive behaviors. Examples include:
Urgent Questions:
- Am I sick or dying?
- Are my loved ones going to abandon me?
- Does everyone hate me?
- Did I do something terribly wrong?
- Is my family safe?
- Am I crazy?
- Did I turn off the stove?
- Did I remember to lock the door?
Mental and Physical Health Issues:
- Unintentional weight changes
- Sleep disorders
- Gastrointestinal issues like IBS
- Depression
- Migraines and headaches
- Focus, attention, and memory problems
- Panic attacks
- Fatigue
- Agitation or restlessness
- Irritability
Maladaptive Behaviors:
- Compulsions or uncontrollable rituals like nail-biting, hand-washing, or hair-pulling
- Substance abuse
Different Types of Anxiety and Their Treatments
There are several types of anxiety disorders, each requiring specific treatments. The most common include:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves mental fixations and/or uncontrollable behaviors. Treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or medications.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Involves persistent anxious thoughts. Treated with psychotherapy and/or medications.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Involves distress following a traumatic event. Treated with cognitive processing therapy (CPT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and more.
- Phobias: Involve severe anxiety or terror when confronted with specific fears. Treated with psychotherapy and exposure therapy.
- Separation Anxiety: Involves distress over separation from loved ones. Treated with psychotherapy and/or family therapy.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Involves distress in social situations. Treated with CBT and/or psychotherapy.
- Panic Disorder: Involves severe anxiety leading to physical symptoms. Treated with psychotherapy and/or medications.
Schedule Anxiety Therapy at Thriveworks in Boulder, CO
If you recognize the signs of anxiety in yourself, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Boulder, CO. Our exceptional therapists can help you manage anxiety and improve your quality of life.
All our mental health providers are licensed and top-rated, guaranteeing you the best possible care. Call us today at (720) 864-0574 to learn more about our services and start your journey toward health and happiness.
