Joshua has always struggled with social anxiety. Recently, he moved to a new city where he doesn’t know anyone. The stress of moving has made his anxiety much worse and he’s terrified at the thought of going out to meet people.
After a few weeks, Joshua is tired of feeling this way and he decides to talk with a mental health professional. His therapist diagnoses him with social anxiety disorder and teaches him relaxation techniques he can use to feel more comfortable around people. After a few sessions, Joshua starts incorporating some helpful coping skills and builds up the courage to invite a coworker out for dinner after work. He knows it will take time to feel comfortable in larger groups but he’s happy to see progress so soon.
People with anxiety know that it can be draining. Worry and stress are a normal part of life but an anxiety disorder can be persistent and overwhelming. Thankfully, licensed counselors and therapists are available to help you find relief, address your concerns, and mitigate your symptoms.
If you want to work with a licensed mental health professional, call our office today at Thriveworks Counseling in Lawrence, KS.
Anxiety: Symptoms and Most Common Types
Some level of anxiety is completely normal and expected. You might feel anxious before a performance review at work or during a major presentation, for example. But anxiety can become a problem when it is persistent and interferes with everyday tasks.
Some common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:
- Uncontrollable worry of fear
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty focusing
- Feelings of dread, panic, or impending doom
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Feeling irritated or uneasy
- Overthinking
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Rapid heartbeat
The type and severity of the symptoms you face may be influenced, at least in part, by the kind of anxiety disorder you have. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: This disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a wide variety of things. Someone with generalized anxiety disorder can experience any of the anxiety symptoms listed above, sometimes without any discernible reason.
- Social anxiety disorder: People with social anxiety disorder often worry about judgment or embarrassment in social situations. This fear can be stressful and can cause people to avoid socializing.
- Panic disorder: People with a panic disorder experience panic attacks, which are intense bouts of fear and anxiety that flare up quickly. These attacks can be traumatic and people with a panic disorder may do everything they can to avoid future attacks.
Do you struggle with anxiety? Consider reaching out to a professional from Thriveworks Counseling in Lawrence, KS today. We can help you reduce your symptoms and move on with your life.
What Can I Expect From Anxiety Therapy?
Therapists and counselors help people with anxiety, typically by incorporating one or more kinds of psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Some of the most common types of therapy include exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Your provider will get to know you and your goals before creating a customized treatment plan that keeps your needs top of mind.
You’re in the driver’s seat throughout the therapeutic process. Your therapist or counselor will guide the discussion to help you gain helpful insights but the process is collaborative. You’ll help set the tone, pace, and topics of discussion for each session.
Plus, you can decide whether you’d prefer to take therapy appointments from our office or remotely. If you choose remote appointments, you can take video sessions or phone calls from your office, your home, or wherever you feel most comfortable.
Whether you choose face-to-face or remote sessions, working with a mental health professional can help you reduce your anxiety symptoms and take steps toward a happier, healthier life. Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Lawrence, KS today to get started today.
Getting Started With Anxiety Therapy at Thriveworks in Lawrence, KS
If you’re living with overwhelming anxiety symptoms, it’s important to know that support is available. Working with a mental health professional from Thriveworks Counseling in Lawrence, KS can help you learn about your anxiety and find ways to manage its symptoms.
We offer online counseling options alongside weekend and evening sessions to help you fit counseling or therapy into your schedule. Call our scheduling team today to find a time that works best for you.
Many clients are pleased to learn that we accept most major insurance plans and that they can access their mental health providers in between sessions by phone or email. We also provide access to our mobile app to help supplement your progress between appointments.
When you’re ready to rise above your anxiety, our therapists and counselors are here to help. Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Lawrence, KS to get started today.
