Signs you might suffer from anxiety
Anxiety does not have to be as painful and debilitating as people often find it to be; it is manageable by using effective, research-based interventions provided at Gate Healing, PLLC. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types and aspects of anxiety, its common symptoms, and how to overcome the challenges it presents.
Understanding Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide
Common Anxiety Symptoms and Experiences
- Do you often find yourself feeling anxious or nervous without a clear trigger, perhaps experiencing those infamous “butterflies in your stomach”?
- I have heard people say that “butterflies” are too cute. . . that the experience can be more intense and feel like “Bats” in their stomach.
- Has anxiety become a roadblock, preventing you from living your life to the fullest?
- Do you avoid social situations because of uncertainty about how to navigate them?
- Have opportunities for personal or professional growth slipped through your fingers due to the fear of the unknown, or even fear of success?
- Do you frequently get lost in a sea of “what if” thoughts?
- Do you often catch yourself caught in a relentless cycle of worry, no matter how trivial the issues might seem?
- Perhaps you’ve diligently prepared for a test, only to draw a blank when it’s handed to you. Or, despite hours of rehearsal, your hands tremble and your mind goes blank the moment you step onto a stage. Whether you’re facing a crucial presentation at work or summoning the courage to approach someone special, anxiety can be a formidable adversary. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a barrier to your success. Read on to learn more about different types of anxiety and how to manage them.
These are just a few of the common experiences associated with anxiety. Additionally, you might encounter physical symptoms like a dry mouth, racing heart, shortness of breath, and a constricted throat, especially before or during significant events such as presentations, interviews, or dates.
Exploring Anxiety in Its Many Forms
Anxiety manifests in various ways, each with its unique challenges. As you begin your journey to address anxiety, you may notice that your anxiety levels fluctuate, even as you seek professional guidance. This is entirely normal, and I’m here to help you build the tools to manage your anxiety effectively.
It’s important to understand that seeking help for anxiety or nervousness can be daunting, as it involves opening up to someone new about personal, sometimes embarrassing experiences. However, counseling for anxiety provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore techniques tailored to your specific needs.
Anxiety can range from common fears related to failure, rejection, or physical pain to deeper concerns about existential and spiritual beliefs. Here are some common types of anxiety:
Anticipatory Anxiety
Anticipatory Anxiety applies to all of the following types of anxiety. It is when you feel nervous or anxious before a situation occurs. Many people find those “what-ifs” rolling around their minds in a way that creates a feeling of paralysis.
Social Anxiety
While social anxiety is particularly common among teenagers, many adults find that it gets in the way of enjoying social times. It is often linked to performance anxiety and involves a persistent fear of judgment or scrutiny by others. This anxiety can manifest in social, romantic, or professional situations, leading individuals to withdraw from social interactions or avoid them altogether. People with social anxiety often struggle with understanding and applying social norms in real-time situations, even if they comprehend them in theory. It’s important to note that being shy or introverted (which are different) doesn’t necessarily equate to social anxiety.
Tips from the Professionals
If you’re dealing with social anxiety, consider gradual exposure to social situations. Perhaps begin with very short interactions with only one or two people, like the cashier at the grocery store. A simple question like, “How are you?” is a great way to begin. As you feel more comfortable with those short interactions, consider moving to interactions at smaller gatherings and work your way up to larger events, all while practicing mindfulness-based relaxation techniques like 4-7-8 breathing or progressive relaxation. Jonathan uses highly effective Minfulness-based Cognitive Therapy to change thought patterns and behaviors related to social anxiety.
Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety, on the other hand, is often tied to social anxiety. It goes beyond the typical pre-performance jitters. Individuals with performance anxiety may know the material well but find the prospect of performing in front of others overwhelming, sometimes to the point of experiencing nausea or full-blown panic attacks.
Tips from the Professionals
To conquer performance anxiety, preparation is key. Practice and rehearse extensively to build confidence. Deep breathing and progressive relaxation exercises can help calm nerves just before a performance. Visualization techniques, where you mentally rehearse successful outcomes, can also be helpful.
As a performing musician himself, Jonathan struggled with performance anxiety. This was in spite of consistent postive feedback from others, and hearing recordings of his own performances. This gives him insight into what people are experiencing, and some ideas of how to find what works for your particular circumstance.
Existential Anxiety
Existential anxiety delves into profound questions about the meaning of life and death. Individuals grappling with existential anxiety may ponder what happens after death, question the existence of an afterlife, or contemplate beliefs in reincarnation. These questions often lack clear-cut answers, making it essential to find peace in not knowing everything and relinquishing control. They bring into focus the differnce between the known, the unknown, and the unknown but knowable.
Tips from the Professionals
When facing existential questions, engage in self-reflection and seek philosophical or spiritual guidance. Meditation and mindfulness can aid in finding peace in uncertainty. Discussing these thoughts with a counselor or therapist experienced in existential concerns can be beneficial. Jonathan in particular has extensive experience in integrating the existential philosophies into clinical practice that is easily integrated into people’s everyday lives.
Financial Anxiety
Financial anxiety is rooted in concerns about meeting basic needs, both for oneself and one’s family. In our society, essential needs like food, clothing, and shelter are closely tied to financial stability. When financial anxiety takes hold, it can keep individuals on edge throughout the day, making it difficult to relax even during nighttime hours.
Tips from the Professionals
To manage financial anxiety, create a budget and stick to it. Seek financial counseling if necessary to gain control over your finances. Developing an emergency fund can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected expenses.
Health Anxiety
Health anxiety, or hypochondriasis in extreme cases, emerges when concerns about one’s health become overwhelming. This can be due to actual physical conditions or an obsession with the possibility of declining health. For instance, discovering prolonged exposure to cancer-causing materials like asbestos in a workplace can trigger intense health-related anxiety. The physical manifestations of stress and anxiety can exacerbate these concerns, creating a vicious cycle if not addressed.
Tips from the Professionals
Addressing health anxiety may require regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to alleviate concerns about physical health. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective in managing health-related worries, thereby reducing the needs for repeated visits to your doctor. Educate yourself about your health concerns and engage in self-care practices like regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Seeking Help for Anxiety
Anxiety can affect every aspect of your life, from your daily routines to your long-term goals and well-being. If you’re struggling with anxiety and it’s interfering with your ability to live life to the fullest, you don’t have to face it alone. At Gate Healing, PLLC, we understand the challenges that anxiety can pose, and we’re here to help you overcome them. Our research-based interventions and compassionate support can make a significant difference in your journey to managing anxiety effectively.
For comprehensive counseling on anxiety, please explore Counseling for Anxiety in Austin.
Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s has been dedicated to the helping profession since 1990. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, Austin in 1994 and earned his Master’s degree in 1997 from the University of Minnesota. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, he is recognized as a Board Approved Supervisor by the State of Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. In addition, Jonathan completed Level 2 of the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling and received training from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Advanced Critical Incident Stress Management & Debriefing in 1998. For more about Jonathan’s practice, visit Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s.
