Anxiety & Panic Attacks
About Anxiety and Panic
If you find yourself ruminating, constantly striving for perfection, and overthinking every detail, know that you’re not alone. If chronic worries and intrusive thoughts disrupt your daily life and keep you awake at night you might feel overwhelmed, and trapped in cycles of self-doubt and avoidance. Maybe you wake at night in a panic and feeling your heart race.
Uncertainty and doubt can cloud every move when you’re anxious, and instead of confidently making decisions, you might find yourself procrastinating, fearful of making a wrong turn. You may feel paralyzed thinking the worst case scenario could come true, or you might second guess your choices afterward. Anxiety may also show up in your relationships, with constant worrying about how others perceive you, leaving you feeling insecure. You deserve to find relief from the grip of anxiety to rediscover a sense of balance and fulfillment in your life.
Symptoms
You might have an anxiety disorder if you experience symptoms such as:
• Excessive worry, dread, or feeling on edge,
• Physical Symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain or discomfort, stomach upset, or muscle tension,
• Panic attacks,
• Avoidance of certain places, situations, or activities that might trigger anxiety or panic attacks,
• Difficulty concentrating,
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, frequent nightmares, or waking up feeling unrested.
If your symptoms interfere with your ability to function or you find you can’t control your response to people or situations then you or your teen could benefit from meeting one of our therapists. Contact us to learn how we can help you overcome anxiety.
Causes of Anxiety and Panic
What causes anxiety disorder and panic attacks?
Anxiety disorders and panic attacks can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences.
Some potential causes include:
• A personality trait, such as perfectionism, shyness or behavioral inhibition,
• Stressful or traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood,
• Significant life changes,
• Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions,
• Cognitive Factors such as catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, or excessive rumination
• Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory disorders can mimic symptoms of anxiety or trigger panic attacks.
Contact us to learn what could be contributing to your symptoms and how we can help you stop panic attacks and overcome anxiety
How common are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. They affect about 40 million Americans. They happen to nearly 30% of adults at some point. So you (or your teen) are not alone! Anxiety disorders often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.
There are several types of anxiety disorder:
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Phobias
Other mental health issues share features with anxiety disorders, including PTSD and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
How Therapy Can Help
Controlling anxiety and panic symptoms
In therapy, we provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for you or your teen to explore the root causes of your symptoms and develop strategies to overcome overcome anxiety and stop panic attacks. You’ll explore the underlying factors driving these patterns, which could include fear of failure, perfectionism, or avoidance of discomfort.
We use tried and tested treatments, including CBT, EMDR, and mindfulness to tackle anxiety, panic, perfectionism, and rumination head-on.
With EMDR you’ll heal from past traumatic experiences that may be fueling your anxiety or panic responses. allowing you to move forward with greater ease.
CBT helps by targeting the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxious feelings. Through CBT, you’ll learn to identify and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs that fuel anxiety, replacing them with more realistic and balanced perspectives. You’ll also acquire practical coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Read more about CBT here.
Mindfulness is rooted in the practice of awareness of the present moment without judgment. Through practices like meditation and mindful breathing, you’ll learn to observe your anxious thoughts and sensations without getting caught up in them. This cultivates a sense of calm and acceptance, enabling a more balanced response to stressors. With regular practice, mindfulness equips you with the tools to navigate difficult emotions with greater ease, promoting emotional well-being and reducing anxiety.
Together, these therapeutic approaches provide a comprehensive toolkit to reduce symptoms and empower you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
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15-minute consultation
Are you ready to get on the path to a healthier you? Get in touch today to get started!