What is Anxiety?
On the continuum of emotions, anxiety falls somewhere between worry and terror. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life and in fact, people of all ages and backgrounds have often experienced anxiety. However, when these feelings become difficult to regulate, blossom into panic, or cause us to lose control, it can have a debilitating effect on our bodies, our relationships, and our work.
There are common symptoms of anxiety: sweating, feelings of restlessness, rapid heartbeat and/or breathing, trembling, feeling weak or tired, and trouble sleeping, to name a few. Many think any experience of anxiety is unhealthy, however, it can serve several important functions in our lives. Researchers have found that anxiety can:
- help us process threats more efficiently,
- be more empathetic to other people’s feelings,
- enhance motivation and boost performance levels.
The key to reaping these benefits is in understanding the difference between “appropriate” concern, situation-specific anxiety and chronic anxiety. Worry serves a purpose–too much worry can prevent us from enjoying our lives. Learning how to live our lives in balance is a life-long endeavor. Sometimes we can muddle through on our own, and other times we need support to help us find our balance.
Integrated Anxiety Management can help you to find that balance by providing support that is tailored to your unique needs, personality, and situation. Just as there are many types and degrees of anxiety there are many modalities of support. In later articles, we will go into greater depth describing each one and post reflections from our practitioners.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Most clients begin here with “talk therapy”. Our therapists get to know you and your concerns. Therapists can help you to think in different ways to reduce worry and fear and offer other approaches that can support you in living a more balanced and happier life. CBT has been well studied and is often held as the gold standard of psychotherapy.
Stress Management Techniques There are many options to choose from, such as yoga, meditation, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), massage, chanting, singing, exercising, balanced eating and nutritional supplementation.
When we can experience stressful events as challenges rather than potential threats, we can navigate our lives with greater ease. At Integrated Anxiety Management our goal is to help you find the balance that allows you to live your life more joyfully. Everyone deserves to live life without suffering from constant anxiety; let us help you find the relief you deserve.
References
National Institute of Mental Health (2017, November). Any anxiety disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.shtml
Clark, J. (n.d.) How can adrenaline help you lift a 3,500-pound car? Retrieved from https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/circus-arts/adrenaline-str…