Symptoms of Anxiety
JUST RELAX....
CALM DOWN...
STOP WORRYING...
Don't you just love when people tell you that? If it was that easy, you wouldn't be scrolling this page and you certainly wouldn't want to punch everyone in the face that has ever said that to you!
Anxiety isn't a choice.
Anxiety can be caused by many things. It can be chemical, biological, environmental, situational, from trauma, and even too much caffeine, certain medications or lack of sleep.
Some medical conditions also create anxiety symptoms. These include:
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Heart disease
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Diabetes
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Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism
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Respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
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Drug misuse or withdrawal
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Withdrawal from alcohol, anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) or other medications
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Chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome
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Rare tumors that produce certain fight-or-flight hormones
Anxiety can be a side effect of these conditions, so it's important to rule out medical issues first.
Anxiety can also be categorized under different diagnostic labels such as: generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, phobias and PTSD.
So, while calming down and relaxing are certainly the goal, just being told that doesn't instantly change our brain's response to real or perceived danger.
Over 40 millions adults are affected by anxiety every year in the US. Some common co-occurring disorders include:
Almost 32% of youth ages 13 to 18 experience anxiety. Research shows that untreated teenagers with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.
Only one-third of people seek treatment. **
The good news is that anxiety is very treatable.
**Statistics and facts source: The Anxiety & Depression Association of America
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_LOwBhBFEiwAmSEQAYvB3njlhZ54YX_fi4F2gSeVaxJu4UBzybBC34mdCOqYnaB3IJXyuxoCk6EQAvD_BwE
If You Struggle With Anxiety, You Are Not Alone.
What is Anxiety?
The way that anxiety manifests in your life is different from person to person; it can even vary day-to-day. Here are some examples of anxiety-related struggles you might relate to:
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You feel stressed out, but it seems you're more high-strung than others
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You constantly run what-if and worst-case scenarios through your head
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You're panicky, often sensing that something bad is about to happen or have a doom-and-gloom outlook
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Difficulty identifying your needs
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Increased pessimism
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Lack of focus
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Physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, knots in your stomach, sudden sweating or trembling
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Regular irritability or anger
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Restlessness
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Self-doubt
If you’re dealing with any of the issues listed above and wish to find a way to move forward, it’s time to reach out for help from an experienced anxiety therapist.
At J Hoffman Therapy, I offer a comfortable space for you to discuss and work through your concerns. It's my goal to help you find peace and take back control of your life.
Will I Have to Take Medication?
While research indicates a combination of medication and therapy provides the best results, that decision is ultimately yours and yours alone. First, we look at lifestyle changes and increasing coping strategies. If those interventions aren't providing the level of relief you need after some time, we can explore other options together.
I am not a licensed prescriber, so if you do decide on medication, I can provide referrals for you to find someone who can evaluate you and prescribe a medication you are open to trying.
I take a collaborative approach to our work together and aim to stay respectful of your religious views, your values and beliefs.
Do I really need an anxiety
therapist?
Anxiety isn't a choice, but you CAN learn ways to manage it and not let it control your life.
By choosing to work with a licensed therapist, you'll have a dedicated advocate on your side who can provide the support and guidance you need to outline effective solutions that meet your unique needs.
A skilled clinician, like me, can help you sort out any possible causes of your anxiety such as a negative life experience.
Choose J Hoffman Therapy | Anxiety Therapy in Farmington, CT
Some Anxiety is Normal
Some anxiety can be expected as we 'human.' Change can be uncomfortable for us mortals and fear, tension, and worry will happen. Starting something new, learning a new skill, dating, breaking up, being challenged in some way will make us feel uncomfortable, cause sensations in our body, and make us want to flee or avoid. A typical response would be to express these fears and discomforts, receive support, and reframe the experience or challenge as something positive. We feel the fear and do it anyway.
Sometimes, our anxiety is so great that we can't fathom attempting these new things. The body sensations become perceived ailments or illnesses. We find all the reasons to fight the change and avoid anything new. This keeps us feeling stuck and sometimes ashamed. Life starts to feel small and full of suffering.
You Don't Have to Suffer Alone.
I'll help you find ways to change your perspective and develop resources that help you feel safer and more comfortable.
EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness and CBT for Anxiety
Using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness, and IFS you'll first develop an awareness of your thoughts. We'll then work together for you to develop the skills to counter them. We will find the strategies and approaches that work best for you and make the most sense. Your goal is to have more positive thinking, gain a different perspective and have strategies available when you most need them for coping.
You will leave our therapy sessions with many tools in your coping 'toolbox.' With practice, these tools will bring you a greater sense of self-confidence and empowerment.
If you are willing to begin the journey to owning your anxiety, that's the first real step in it not owning you.
You don't need to continue living in that place of anxiety. Reach out to me today and take the first step towards a better tomorrow.
