Anxiety
Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Sometimes, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of feelings of severe anxiety that peak within minutes such as panic attacks.
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily life and can impact our performance at school or work, are difficult to manage, are out of proportion to real danger, and can last for a very long time. We may even start avoiding certain places, people, or situations to control our anxiety. Symptoms may start when we are very young and continue into adulthood.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions around the world. Almost 30% of adults experience them at some point in their life. We use various treatment approaches that are proven to be helpful in supporting individuals who experience anxiety including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, trauma imformed, and person-centered therapy.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
The symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person and impact mental health negatively in many ways, but some common signs include:
- Excessive worrying: Anxiety can cause a person to worry excessively about everyday things, even when there is no clear reason for concern.
- Restlessness: Anxiety can make a person feel restless or keyed up, making it difficult to relax or sit still.
- Irritability: Anxiety can cause a person to feel easily irritated or frustrated, even over minor things.
- Muscle tension: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Fatigue: Anxiety can make a person feel tired or exhausted, even after a good night’s sleep.
- Difficulty concentrating: Anxiety can make it difficult to focus or concentrate on tasks, leading to decreased productivity and performance.
- Rapid heartbeat: Anxiety can cause a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, which can be uncomfortable or distressing.
- Shortness of breath: Anxiety can make a person feel short of breath or like they are unable to take a deep breath.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other anxiety disorders including separation anxiety, specific phobias, agoraphobia, and selective mutism in children
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
“Anxiety attack” is usually used to describe a panic attack but it’s not an official medical term in itself. It is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that usually peaks within 10 minutes and may last for up to an hour. The symptoms can be so severe that they can feel like a heart attack, causing physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain or tightness, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of impending doom or loss of control.
When to see a psychotherapist for anxiety
If you notice that you are constantly worried and the level of your anxiety is disproportionate to the situation. It is time to seek help from a psychotherapist or other health care providers.
High levels of anxiety can be debilitating and prevent us from being able to function on a daily basis. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can manifest in different ways such as fear of going out in public or being in crowded areas, avoiding going to certain places or interacting with people, losing sleep and appetite, and many other ways.
At Emergence Psychotherapy, our psychotherapists offer treatment plans curated to treat anxiety disorders. We also provide online therapy for anxiety, which means you can receive help from the comfort of your home. We are a Toronto- based practice dedicated to providing a safe environment for your healing that is sensitive to privacy and confidentiality. Take the first step and contact us.