Anxiety is unique in how it alerts us to its presence. In its own unique ways it can present very physically, the specific nature varying from person to person. You may feel pins or needles in some part of your body. You might breathe more rapidly and even to the point of feeling light – headed. Your chest or arms may tighten. Anxiety can also manifest as a feeling of tension, feeling braced, or even terror without any clear and well-defined source of origin (although sometimes quite clear). You may feel disconnected from yourself or the world around you. All of these are considered classic symptoms of anxiety. Interestingly, we often use the words “anxiety” and “stress” fairly interchangeably, yet it can be helpful to differentiate the two. Stress is generally the source of the anxiety. In addition, a sense of worry can fuel and escalate one’s experience of anxiety. In fact, worry or stress, or a combination of the two, can prove triggers of anxiety. Furthermore, there may be other contributing factors including genetics or environmental elements serving to reinforce an individual’s propensity for or experience of acute anxiety.
Simply put, anxiety is generally considered a form of fear. Fundamentally, fear is adaptive as – in appropriate moments and proportions – it warns us in order to avoid danger. It is essential for our survival. If anxiety is too severe or constant, however, it can then prove costly to one’s day-to-day life and functioning. At this level of impact, intentional intervention becomes warranted.
For example, according to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual (DSM) of mental disorders, a generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD) entails excessive fear and worry related to family, work or school performances, or even health issues for a period of more than six months. Symptoms can include restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and even problems with attention or concentration. Notably, this – as with many forms of anxiety – is difficult to control by oneself and is best treated by working with a counselor.
The first and most critical step to effectively treating GAD as well as most forms of anxiety is that of developing self-awareness. A trained clinician/therapist can provide helpful tools and interventions including mindfulness, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to explore how and why an anxiety disorder is affecting a person and his/her daily life. Clinical interventions such as these can provide a way forward by reducing the severity and recurrence of anxiety by both addressing the root causes and providing tools to restructure one’s relationship with and experience of anxiety when it arises.
In conclusion, while anxiety is a very common and pervasively encountered mental disorder, it isn’t something you simply have to cope with or muscle your way through. The right kind of supports (like connecting with a trained counselor) can be just the thing to reduce its footprint in your life and restore a sense of calm and groundedness in approaching life’s rhythms and requirements. Remember, you’re never alone.
Contact Spring Tree to schedule your first session with a trained and equipped counselor today.