Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes and Regaining A Sense of Calm

Are you struggling with anxiety or stress? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by fear, physical symptoms, or constant worry? We understand the challenges you're facing, and we're here to help.

It is a part of the normal human experience to occasionally experience feelings of anxiety when faced with certain situations like the night before an exam or after an argument with a friend, for example. Mild anxiety is usually caused by rational fear or worry and can be managed with simple coping mechanisms.

However, you may be experiencing more frequent and more severe levels of anxiety that seem to be triggered by situations that would be very unlikely to occur, or that can accompany a person without any trigger at all. Their symptoms are caused by certain maladaptive and irrational thoughts and assumptions (also known as cognitive errors).

Spectrum of Stress

Acute stress

Acute stress is caused by your body's reaction to a new or difficult event. It's the feeling you get when a deadline is approaching. Acute stress is a type of short-term stress. Emotions and the body usually return to normal relatively soon.

Episodic acute stress

When acute stressors occur on a regular basis, this is referred to as episodic acute stress. It feels like you don't have time to relax and quiet down while you're under this kind of stress, and the consequences of high-frequency acute stressors build up. It frequently gives you the impression that you are moving from one catastrophe to another without catching a break.

Chronic stress

Chronic stress is caused by stressors that persist over an extended length of time. Living in a high-crime area, for example, or continuously arguing with your life partner are two examples. This sort of stress seems to last forever. You frequently find it difficult to see any way to modify or change the condition that is causing you chronic stress.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety is more than just occasional nervousness or worry. It's a complex emotion characterized by distress, worried thinking, and physical symptoms such as increased blood pressure. Anxiety disorders can disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to function and enjoy the things you love. But there is hope, and with the right guidance, you can regain control.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

Excessive sweating and a racing heart
Dry mouth and palpitations
Nausea and trembling
Numbness or tingling sensations
Muscle tension and restlessness
Nightmares and recurring thoughts
Inability to remain calm and ritualistic habits

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, separation anxiety, and more. These disorders can often coexist with other mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Treating Anxiety, CBT, Meditation and Exposure Therapy

There are several ways to treat anxiety and depressive disorders, depending on the level of severity of the symptoms as well as the subtype of disorder that is being dealt with. Finding the right treatment for your level of anxiety is a crucial step towards regaining control.

Meditation and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction

Meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are therapies that have been shown to aid with anxiety and depression management. MBSR is a technique that uses meditation concepts to assist individuals to become more aware of how negative thoughts affect bodily experiences.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely recognized and effective treatment for anxiety. Through CBT, you'll learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Working collaboratively with your therapist, you'll develop healthier coping strategies and lasting solutions.

Exposure Therapy

Facing your fears is an essential step in overcoming anxiety. Exposure therapy gradually exposes you to the situations or activities you've been avoiding, helping you build resilience and reduce anxiety over time. Relaxation techniques and visualization may also be used to support your progress.

Take the first step towards feeling calmer...

Whether you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, know that there is help out there for you and that you don’t need to suffer alone. With the right tools, you can always learn new ways to cope with your difficulties. Take the first step towards a calmer, happier life through online therapy. ‍

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Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes and Regaining A Sense of Calm

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