Anxiety - Panic Attacks
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue, affecting over 25 million Americans. Everyone gets nervous or anxious from time to time, but anxiety disorders are different. These disorders are accompanied by chronic anxiety brought on by certain situations that cannot be controlled. They can result in panic attacks which are characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, nausea, and even the feeling of dying. Many people who experience panic attacks believe that they are having a heart attack because of the intense and sudden symptoms.
Anxiety disorders can be caused by many things including traumatic experiences, neglect or abuse during childhood, or other events that have had a lasting effect on your psyche and mental state. Anxiety disorders can interfere with peoples' everyday lives including work, school, and social relationships. Someone suffering from anxiety disorder will avoid situations and places that trigger their anxiety which can have a huge impact on their livelihood.
Anxiety disorder does not have to be permanent. Therapy can help to lessen the anxiety you experience in your life. The root cause of one's anxiety, no matter how troublesome it is, needs to be dealt with. Discussing the underlying problem and gaining a better understanding of it can help to limit the anxiety associated with it.
Depression
Depression is a condition that affects millions of people. Many think that depression is just being sad or "down in the dumps" but this not the case. Depression affects the way you live your life and it can make you seem like a different person than you once were. Some common symptoms of depression are:
- Constantly feeling sad
- Feeling worthless
- Apathy
- Loss of appetite or inability to control eating
- Weight gain or loss
- Lack of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Lack of desire to socialize or interact with others
- Inability to concentrate on small tasks
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Suicidal Thoughts (If you are contemplating suicide please call 1-800-273-8255 to speak with someone immediately or go to your nearest emergency room).
I have many different tools that I can teach my clients to use in order to manage their anxiety and depression.