Seeking Help for Anxiety

Anxiety and the Power of Therapy

Anxiety is ingrained in the human experience. As much as it gets a bad rap, anxiety is absolutely necessary. Without it, you wouldn’t study for finals, finish that work project, or get off the couch and move.

Some anxiety is necessary to get moving, but too much anxiety and you may be frozen into place. A couple psychologists developed the Yerkes-Dodson Law. It’s a great visual. They call the x-axis Arousal, but I like to think of it as levels of anxiety. If very low anxiety or very high anxiety than the results are a “weak performance. Our goal in therapy is to find that optimal level of anxiety rather than to alleviate it all together.

Extreme levels of anxiety is a debilitating force that affects every aspect of your life. It can make simple tasks seem insurmountable, and it can cause you to feel like you are constantly on edge.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a complex condition that affects both the mind and body. It can cause physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shaking. It can also lead to psychological symptoms such as constant worry, fear of the future, and negative thoughts.

In the long run, anxiety may also lead to health problems such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic autoimmune illnesses.

Emotionally, anxiety can cause a sense of isolation and loneliness which only makes the situation worse.

The Benefits of Therapy for Anxiety

Therapy can help you develop a better understand your symptoms of anxiety along with any of your triggers. Working through your experiences of anxiety may sound completely horrible, but it may also lead to discovering the foundational causes of your physical and emotional reactions.

Therapy can be a place to explore your anxiety symptoms and provide you with coping strategies. Often there is relief from simply explaining your physical symptoms. Talking through the physical sensations can show them in a different light and often lesson their power.

One of the most significant benefits of therapy is that it provides a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can be particularly helpful for people with anxiety, who may feel isolated and misunderstood. Therapy can help you feel heard and validated, which can be a powerful tool.

Preparing for Your First Therapy Session

The first therapy session can be intimidating, but it is an essential step in overcoming anxiety. It is important to prepare for your first therapy session by thinking about your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve. You may also want to write down any questions or concerns you have and bring them with you to the session.

Techniques and Exercises to Manage Anxiety

I am a big fan of using the body to help cope with anxiety symptoms.

Here are 5 exercises that can help manage anxiety (I do them all – most days):

1. 1. Deep breathing exercises: Take deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Focus on your breath and try to clear your mind.
   2. Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and then release each muscle group in your body one at a time. Start with your feet and work your way up to your head.
   3. Mindfulness meditation: Focus on the present moment and try to observe your thoughts without judgment. Pay attention to your breath and your physical sensations.
   4. Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety. Try going for a run, taking a yoga class, or doing some strength training.
   5. Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. This can help you process your emotions and gain perspective on your situation.

Find what works best for you. These exercises combined with therapy may be the key.

Use Therapy for all it’s Worth

The power of therapy lies in its ability to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, and learn to cope with the challenges of everyday life.

Whether you are struggling with social anxiety, panic attacks, or general anxiety, therapy can help you regain control of your life and move forward with confidence.  Make Contact with Dr. Guess today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.