Anxiety is an emotion, useful in some instances and harmful in others, but an emotion at that.  It  prepares us for what we perceive as danger.  This is where the “fight or flight” dialect comes from.  

 

That being said, anxiety can become problematic when it becomes overactive.  This means that an individual perceives non-threatening situations, experiences, even others as dangerous.  Generally, we seek help for anxiety when we notice that it is starting to effect our life at home, work, in relationships, and our health.  

​

Behavioral and cognitive symptoms of anxiety include:

​

• Constant thoughts and worries that get in the way of a person’s well-being

• Regularly feeling overwhelmed

• Difficulty concentrating

• Inability to go to sleep or stay asleep

• An urge to put worries at ease 

• Anger

• Procrastination

 

Physical symptoms of anxiety include:

​

• Racing heart, sweaty palms, upset stomach, etc.

• Headaches

• Increase or decrease in appetite during moments of anxiety

• Sleep disturbances (falling and staying asleep).

 

While anxiety itself is not a disorder or mental health illness, the namesake plays a role in these disorders:

​

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Panic Disorder

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Social Anxiety

• Specific Phobia

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

 

When a person has anxiety, it can often feel like a stranglehold on their life.  That being said, managing anxiety is very possible, and anxiety disorders are highly treatable.  Effective management of anxiety disorders begins with an awareness of the anxiety triggers, which involved exploring patterns of both the individual and environment from past and present.  Then a development of tools and techniques to cope with the anxiety.  Common interventions include Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectial Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, or Biofeedback. 

 

Mike at Philadelphia Wellness Therapy is a licensed, professional anxiety therapist who works with multiple modalities to help ease the symptoms of anxiety.  Feel free to reach out and schedule a free consultation.