| Most people feel worried some of the time. But if you have a pervasive sense of worry or dread that you just can’t shake, it’s time to talk to Janelle Adams, MA, LMFT, ATR, and the team at In Touch Counseling & Wellness. You could be living with anxiety, a common and treatable mental health condition. For relief from your anxiety, call the office in Vancouver, Washington, or schedule your appointment online today. |
Anxiety Q & A
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is two things. First, it’s an emotion most people feel at some point in their lives, like before giving a big presentation or making a challenging decision. But it’s also a diagnosable mental health condition.
Anxiety that pervades your life and prevents you from doing certain things or ever feeling relaxed isn’t normal. You don’t have to live with ongoing feelings of worry or the sense that something bad will happen.
If you would say you’ve felt worried or anxious more days than you haven’t in the last six months, it’s time to talk to the team at In Touch Counseling Services.
Are there different types of anxiety?
Yes. The most common anxiety disorders are:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
When people talk about having anxiety, this is the condition they usually mean. Symptoms of GAD include:
- Ongoing anxiety or worry
- Fatigue
- Constantly feeling on edge
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscular tension
- Restlessness
If you feel anxious most of the time, talk with the team at In Touch Counseling Services. They have a wide range of tools and treatments available to help you understand and control your anxious feelings.
Phobias
Anxiety can also manifest as worry about a specific thing that paralyzes you. Some people have phobias of heights or flying. Some live with social anxiety, separation anxiety, or agoraphobia. If you’ve noticed that you’re more afraid of a certain thing than most people, you might be living with a phobia. Talk to your In Touch Counseling Services provider about it so you can work on coping techniques together.
Panic disorder
Anxiety can also cause panic attacks, or short, sudden-onset episodes of intense anxiety. These attacks can make you:
- Feel like you can’t breathe
- Sweat
- Tremble
- Feel like things are out of control
- Experience heart palpitations
The panic attack will pass, but not knowing when the next one will occur can worsen your anxiety. The team at In Touch Counseling Services has tools you can use to get through and limit panic attacks.
What Causes Anxiety?
As with many mental health issues, the causes of anxiety disorders aren’t fully understood. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders. Inherited traits also can be a factor. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Trusted Source, a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. The areas of your brain that control your fear response may be involved.
Why choose In Touch Counseling Services for treating anxiety?
If you feel anxious most of the time, talk with the team at In Touch Counseling Services. We have a wide range of tools and treatments available to help you understand and control your anxious feelings. Your team of providers personalizes your treatment to you. They offer: Therapy Acupuncture Nutrition coaching Art therapy Alpha-Stim® cranial electrotherapy stimulation |
In other words, you have options. Your provider partners with you to find the most effective treatment so you can lead your life without excessive feelings of anxiety.
To get started with anxiety treatment, call the office or make an appointment online today.