Did you know that nearly 25% of respondents from a survey conducted by the Center for Mental Health and Addiction reported moderate to severe anxiety? This is a problem that affects millions of people and has gone up in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this post, we’ll explore what anxiety is and the role counselling plays in overcoming symptoms of anxiety.
What Are the Signs of Anxiety?
Anxiety can be described as an emotional state that is characterized by feelings of worry, tension and physical responses such as increased heart rate or sweating. Common signs of anxiety include but are not limited to, feeling nervous, restless, having a sense of impending danger or panic, breathing quickly or trembling.
What Causes Anxiety?
While the exact causes of anxiety remain unclear in the literature, there is a wide range of risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder. Trauma, stress, personality types, other mental health issues, genetics and drugs or alcohol can all contribute to developing an anxiety disorder.
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?
There are several groups of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias and panic disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder includes worrying about activities or events. The worrying may be persistent in that it interferes with daily activities.
A person with social anxiety disorder may find significant worry and fear in social interactions and be worried about being embarrassed, humiliated or rejected. Phobias are a persistent fear of an object, situation or activity. A panic disorder maintains the symptomatology of recurring panic attacks and distress. Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or nausea.
What Is Counselling for Anxiety?
One of the ways to treat anxiety is through professional counselling. One of the most common therapies for treating anxiety is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT would help the client with identifying their anxious thoughts and restructuring them into more positive thoughts. Other techniques that help with reducing anxiety symptoms include mindfulness, deep breathing and grounding techniques.
Final Words
Now that you’ve learned about anxiety, it’s time to take action and start improving your quality of life. Body Science Therapy in Mississauga specializes in effective treatments for anxiety and we’re here to help you improve your mental well-being. Book your appointment today and let’s work together towards a healthier, happier you.
References
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
