Do you feel worried even when it seems there is to worry about? Do you experience intrusive thoughts about death and tragedy? Are you always imagining the worst possible case scenario? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone, and it is possible to find relief. As a licensed mental health counselor in Jacksonville, FL, I've had the honor of helping many clients learn to manage and reduce their anxiety. This article aims to shed light on when you might need anxiety treatment, what your options are, and how Philosophie Therapy can assist you on this journey.
Signs You Need Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety is a tricky condition. It can be challenging to know whether what you're feeling is normal worry or something more severe that requires professional help. Signs that it might be time to seek anxiety treatment include:
1. Feeling Worried More Days Than Not
It's natural to worry occasionally—whether it's about an upcoming exam, a job interview, or a first date. However, if worry consumes your thoughts more often than not, it might be a red flag. A key indicator here is consistency. If you spend most of your days worrying, then it's time to consider getting help.
2. Catastrophizing/Imagining the Worst Possible Outcome
We all have moments where we fear the worst. That's part of being human. However, if you consistently find yourself jumping to the worst possible conclusion—imagining catastrophes, tragedies, or devastating events in very routine scenarios—that's a sign that your anxiety is more than just occasional worry.
3. Always Thinking People Are Mad at You
If you're consistently reading into every expression, word, or action from others as a sign that they're displeased or angry with you, this is a sign your anxiety may be heightened. It's as if your mind is always on high alert, searching for signs of disapproval even when there aren't any.
4. Feeling Tightness in Your Chest
Anxiety isn't just emotional; it also manifests physically. If you're regularly experiencing a tightness in your chest that makes it hard to breathe, you should first rule out any potential medical conditions by seeing a healthcare provider. However, if medical tests show that you're physically healthy, then this could be another indicator of significant anxiety.
5. Difficulty Falling Asleep or Waking Up Frequently
If your mind races the minute your head hits the pillow and you toss and turn for hours before finally drifting off, or if you find yourself waking up frequently throughout the night, your anxiety might be to blame. Quality sleep is essential for emotional well-being, and persistent disruptions in sleep can exacerbate your anxiety symptoms further.
6. Difficulty Concentrating
Do you find it hard to focus on tasks? Are you easily distracted, constantly shifting from one thing to another without completing anything? This lack of focus and a sense of feeling overwhelmed can often be attributed to heightened anxiety.
7. Being Highly Critical of Yourself
While self-criticism is not exclusive to those with anxiety, excessive or obsessive self-criticism can be a symptom. If you find you're always beating yourself up, never feeling good enough regardless of your achievements, then it's worth considering whether anxiety is affecting your self-perception.
8. Difficulty Being Present
Mindfulness, or the ability to stay present, is challenging for everyone at times. However, if you find that you're perpetually zoning out, always ruminating about the past or worrying about the future instead of focusing on the here and now, then your anxiety might be keeping you from experiencing life as fully as you could.
Anxiety Treatment Options
There are a multitude of anxiety treatment options. Two of the most common and effective anxiety treatment methods are therapy and psychiatry. Keep reading to learn how each of these methods can assist in treating anxiety.
Therapy
Therapy is often the first line of defense against anxiety. The purpose of therapy isn't just to talk about your problems; it's a structured environment where a qualified mental health professional helps you identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and works to decrease your symptoms over time. Therapy provides a confidential and judgment-free space where you can explore your emotions and learn how they impact your behaviors. The more you know about yourself, the more power you have to decrease your anxiety. With the guidance of a therapist, you'll work on building coping mechanisms.
At Philosophie Therapy, we provide anxiety treatment that goes beyond teaching coping skills. We are dedicated to helping our clients understand the root of their anxiety so that they can permanently decrease their anxiety symptoms.
Psychiatry
Psychiatry offers another avenue for treating anxiety, especially for those who might need more than therapy alone. Unlike therapists, psychiatrists are medical doctors who assess for mental health disorders and prescribe medications. These medications are designed to balance the chemicals in your brain that might be contributing to your anxiety. Psychiatrists do not typically provide therapy but rather focus on medication prescription and management.
For some individuals, a combination of both therapy and medication is the most effective way to manage anxiety. This dual approach allows you to explore the emotional and physical elements of your anxiety symptoms.
Start Anxiety Treatment with Philosophie Therapy
At Philosophie Therapy, we're committed to providing the best anxiety treatment possible. We will assess your symptoms and design a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs. If medication is needed, we will assist you in connecting with a psychiatrist who can prescribe anxiety medication.
To get started, simply schedule a free phone consultation by clicking the button below. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
Comments