What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to a stressful situation and can be functionally normal. However, if it affects your ability to function in everyday life, counseling can help.  Do you have intrusive or obsessive thoughts about anything and everything on a daily basis? Do you feel restless and unsafe for reasons that you cannot always identify? Does panic set in suddenly and unexpectedly? If so, you are not alone in these experiences. Statistics have shown that 1 out of 3 people in the United States suffer from anxiety but only 40% of these people get the help they need. The good news is that we are here to ensure you are a part of this 40% and provide you with guidance as you overcome your anxiety.

Are there different types of Anxiety?

Anxiety comes in many forms and affects each of us differently. If you have a broad fear and worry about various things consistently, a generalized anxiety disorder may be present. If you suffer from severe panic attacks and live under a constant blanket of fear about when the next attack will occur, panic disorder may need to be discussed. Anxiety can be tied to a specific phobia, fear of crowds, or debilitating fear that prevents you from leaving your house.  Other forms of anxiety can coexist as well, making the journey to wellness more complex. Do not let this intimidate you! We have a team of highly trained therapists to help you pinpoint what anxiety looks like to you and provide you with a road map to healing.  And we have an extremely high success rate with helping clients with anxiety.

When to seek help for your Anxiety

You may be asking yourself, “How do I know my anxiety is abnormal,” or “What if my anxiety is not severe enough to treat?” We are here to help you answer these questions. You may have one of these symptoms or a combination of a few. There are also several other symptoms that can occur as well. The list below is simply a guide to help you decide what your next step is. It may be time to seek help for your anxiety if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Scary, intrusive thoughts that send your body into a state of stress
• Your anxiety is affecting your ability to function in relationships
• You dread going into public and isolate yourself from others
• You have trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
• Your mind is constantly racing and you have trouble completing tasks
• You have panic attacks or get overwhelmed on a daily basis
• Your body is often tense and you feel on edge
• You live stressed

Whether you have one, all or none of the symptoms listed above the best time to get help is when YOU feel you need it.

What do Counselors do for Anxiety?

There are many forms of therapy for anxiety so your counselor will adapt a treatment plan that fits you and your personal struggle. Some treatments begin with identifying strongholds and negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. By doing this, you can identify your triggers and replace them with healthy thoughts.
Other treatments focus on acceptance and allowing things to be as they are. Becoming mindful and reminding yourself that you are safe helps to break the automatic fear cycle that suddenly strikes. Deep breathing practices and meditation help to calm the body and mind as well. By learning to tell your mind what you need it to do, you can talk yourself off a cliff and take control of your anxiety.
Spirituality and reliance on God is a strong segue into healing as well. We want you to remember that you are not meant to bear the burdens of anxiety alone. Casting your worries on the Lord provides you with a safe haven in the middle of the storm. As a faith-based practice, we will walk through an emotional and spiritual journey together towards a whole and happy you.  And if you would rather not have faith be a part of your journey then we will meet you where you are at and honor your request.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4: 5-6).

Next Steps

We hope you found this article helpful.  If you are ready to take the next step towards overcoming anxiety we are here for you.  We are here to answer any questions you may have about counseling and how it can help.  We will walk with you through each step of the way and guide you to wholeness. At New Vision Counseling and Consulting, our team of highly trained and compassionate therapists have helped people from all walks of life.  We create a safe and non-judgemental atmosphere where you can relax and be you.  We can be reached by phone at 405-921-7776, or by visiting our website at newvisioncounseling.org. We look forward to hearing from you soon!