The Highs and Lows of Anxiety Disorder
You might be thinking - "Why anxiety, of all things?" Well, how often do we hear someone say “I have anxiety” or “I’m anxious”? Do we even know what that actually means anymore? Even though plenty of people think they understand anxiety based on T.V., movies, magazines, etc., many people don't really understand what it actually looks like. In the world of counseling, people can be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder due to reoccurring symptoms such as loss of sleep, phobias, restlessness, problems concentrating, or excessive worry. The scary thing is that for many individuals, these symptoms of anxiety become a normal part of everyday life.
Louie
What exactly is anxiety? It looks different on everyone. Different types of anxiety include generalized anxiety, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and acute stress disorder. So how do you know when these symptoms are developing into a mental health concern? Many people have anxiety due to unexpected things that may happen in their life. When a person is unable to work through their fears associated with anxiety it can begin to impede on their quality of life. For example, some people may struggle with sleeping enough or oversleeping. While others may begin to feel panic like symptoms such as a racing heart beat, excessive sweating, or even racing thoughts. In some cases, an individual may feel less inclined to participate in activities that they once enjoyed. Most people need their symptoms to continue for an extended period of time to be considered a mental health problem.
Unfortunately, there is a stigma that comes with having anxiety. Even as a counselor, I experience anxiety, but have learned to see it more as a super power. My anxiety empowers me to work smarter, not harder at what I am doing. Change is a huge trigger for anxiety in my life. The idea of change makes me nervous and without the right coping skills, I surely would spiral because nothing gets done without change. Of course, coping with anxiety is easier said than done. Everyone has their thing that helps them get through the day. Often times my clients or students hear me refer to their “tool box” of coping skills. One of my strongest sources of comfort during times of anxiety is my dog, Louie. In times of stress, Louie acts as a "tool" to help me cope with my anxiety. Something as small as taking him for a walk can really change the course of my day.
Some people might benefit from working with a counselor when they are experiencing anxiety. However, not everyone may feel comfortable seeking out that type of help because of the stigma. To me, this idea is just like seeing any other professional for a concern that you want some resolution to. If you have a chipped tooth most people wouldn’t want to deal with that discomfort for months on end. The same goes with anxiety. When anxiety becomes consistent and impedes on your daily life, it might be beneficial to see a mental health professional. Individuals in this role will help you discover the best ways of working through distressing thoughts and feelings that are making it hard to enjoy every day life.
Stay tuned next week to learn more about the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Emily Mori, MS, LGPC, NCC, CAS, ADHD-CCSP
As a strength-based therapist I believe mindfulness is the best approach to life's challenges. I help to empower clients seeking to move forward and to achieve their wellness goals.