Anxiety can take many forms. Anxiety is a normal emotion to experience. Anxiety is a powerful source of motivation. When we experience it at a low level, we...
Anxiety can take many forms. Anxiety is a normal emotion to experience. Anxiety is a powerful source of motivation. When we experience it at a low level, we are motivated to act. Action reduces anxiety.
When anxiety reaches levels that are too high, it can leave us unable to act.
This is the Yerkes-Dodson Law of psychology (Cohen, 2011).
A certain level of arousal will improve our performance. Too high an arousal level will impair our performance. When high is experienced at a high level and on a long term basis, it can be defined as a psychological disorder. This level of anxiety is maladaptive, and results in dysfunction and distress and impairment. Here is an overview of anxiety disorders.
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Treatment Options For Anxiety
The good news about anxiety disorders is that they are very treatable. Anxiety disorders are well managed through:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): CBT is very effective for managing anxiety. CBT is rooted in the philosophy of stoicism. The basic premise of both the treatment method and philosophy is that it is not objective reality which is distressing; it is our subjective interpretation of that reality which can be distressing or not (IQWIG, 2016).
SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors):This is a class of medications that all work similarly, by increasing the availability of Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or biochemical which is involved with communication between nerve cells. Low levels of serotonin are implicated in anxiety, as well as depression (National Health Services, 2018).
Lifestyle changes
This is where you will do the work. CBT works well to manage anxiety. SSRI's work well. Combining CBT with an SSRI is even more effective. The other very important element is to look at your day to day behaviors, and make adjustments which are conducive to anxiety reduction.
The bottom line is anxiety comes in many forms, and can be overwhelming. There are effective treatments available.
American Psychiatric Association. (2017). What Are Anxiety Disorders? American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
Cherry, K. (2019). A to Z: Strange and Common List of Phobias. verywellmind. Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-phobias-2795453
Cohen R.A. (2011) Yerkes–Dodson Law. In: Kreutzer J.S., DeLuca J., Caplan B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY
IQWIG. (2016). Cognitive behavioral therapy. NCBI Bookshelf. Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279297/
Jocko Willink. (2018). Stand up Straight and Be Competent - Jocko Willink and Jordan Peterson . Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC2uiA4z32M
National Health Services. (2018). Overview - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ssri-antidepressants/
Porter, D.A. (2014a) Illness Anxiety Disorder DSM-5 300.7 (F45.21). Theravive. Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/illness-anxiety-disorder-dsm--5-300.7-(f45.21)
Porter, D.A. (2014b). Journal Writing as a Therapeutic Tool. Theravive. Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.theravive.com/today/post/journal-writing-as-a-therapeutic-tool-0001727.aspx
Porter, D.A. (2014c) Managing Your Mood with Exercise. Theravive. Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.theravive.com/today/post/managing-your-mood-with-exercise-0001725.aspx
Porter, D.A. (2014d) Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) DSM-5 300.23 (F40.10)Theravive. Retrieved April 5, 2020 from https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/illness-anxiety-disorder-dsm--5-300.7-(f45.21)
Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.
Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
We all get a little anxious sometimes—like a sudden jolt of nerves before a big presentation or a first date. But if that nervous feeling has become a constant companion, like an uninvited roommate that won’t leave, it might be time for counseling. Signs that it's more than a passing worry include persistent fear, difficulty sleeping, or avoiding situations that trigger your anxiety. We understand how exhausting this can be. We can work together to help you get your living space back.
Think of anxiety counseling as your personal guide to untangling a complicated knot of thoughts and fears. While it may feel impossible right now, you have the power to conquer it. We'll give you a toolkit of strategies, from understanding what's triggering your worry to practicing deep breathing exercises that calm your nervous system. Through counseling, you'll learn to recognize your thought patterns and challenge them, so you can stop being a passenger in your own life and start being the one in the driver’s seat.
The most effective approach to treating anxiety is like finding the perfect pair of shoes—what works for one person might not work for another. However, a common and effective therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It helps you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that feed your anxiety. We also use other approaches, like exposure therapy, to help you gradually face your fears in a safe and supportive way. We'll help you find the right fit for your unique needs.
