Anxiety and worry are the most common mental health issues there are. Most people experience anxiety and worry at various times week to week. It is important to know when it is becoming problematic and what to do about it.
What Is Anxiety?
Everyone faces some worries and anxiety. This may be trying to meet work deadlines, being stressed about money and how to pay for the unexpected car repair or making a social blunder and wondering what people think of you. These transient and short-lived situations are typically not of great concern as people weather the storm or find work arounds that solve the problem. There are a number of things that differentiate everyday worries from clinical anxiety. Of great importance is the frequency of worry and anxiety. If anxiety occurs regularly or throughout the day and feels like it is impacting or interfering with your ability to focus and function, then it is likely becoming problematic.
What is the Emotional Impact of Anxiety?
Anxiety and worry are emotions that everyone has. From an evolutionary perspective, anxiety has helped our species survive. Being able to survive tornados, hurricanes, grizzly bears, or a group of thugs with bad intentions, necessitates a certain amount of anxiety and fear. That physical reaction drives our behaviors to take action, usually fight or flight. Fortunately, these situations are rare and not everyday occurrences. When anxiety occurs often and for situations that may not warrant such reactions, it may be time to explore options such as counseling or therapy. Anxiety, especially when it is experienced constantly, is exhausting and emotionally draining. Fear and worry are not exactly enjoyable emotions and not ones we want to endure. It is particularly problematic when it overrides other emotions. For instance, being in a social group and obsessing over what others think really detracts from the enjoyment of being with others.
What is the Physical Impact of Anxiety?
Anxiety is very taxing on the body. Even at low levels, anxiety releases stress hormones into the body such as cortisol and adrenaline. Many people with chronic anxiety experience physical manifestations of their anxiety that can include troubled sleep, headaches, muscle tension, GI issues and trouble with focus and concentration. Long term risks can include hypertension or stroke. When anxiety becomes extremely intense in the moment, many people experience panic attacks and often feel like they are having a heart attack and show up in the emergency room.
What is the Cognitive Impact of Anxiety?
Anxiety is often a product of our own distorted thinking and perceptions. Often times things are exaggerated or blown out of proportion. These errors in thinking and irrational beliefs can have profound and sweeping impact on thinking and many outcomes. Many people with anxiety find themselves avoiding and isolating themselves. This reduces anxiety in the moment but does little to advance your social or romantic life. Many people learn in counseling and therapy that their self-esteem and confidence suffer greatly from anxiety. Often, they are filled with negative self-talk that erodes believing in your own abilities. There is nothing worse than not feeling comfortable in your own skin. When things reach this level, it is very problematic and professional help is likely needed. Psychologists and therapists are highly skilled at helping to combat the internal struggle with anxiety that many people have and can provide great relief and freedom to start living life again.
If you are interested in counseling or therapy to help with your anxiety, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment with counselor, social workers or psychologists. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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