Anxiety is part of our body’s natural alert system. In the right circumstances, it helps us stay safe and perform at our best. However, when this system becomes overactive, it can lead to excessive worry and fear. Anxiety can be triggered by various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences. Understanding the root causes of your anxiety is a crucial step in learning to manage it effectively.

Anxiety can manifest differently for each person, influenced by factors such as cultural background, personal experiences, and individual physiology. Some people primarily experience physical symptoms, while others may be more affected mentally and emotionally. Anxiety often coexists with other mental health concerns such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some common signs of anxiety include:

• Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life
• Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• Panic attacks (sudden intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes)
• Avoidance of certain situations due to fear
• Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, nausea, or dizziness

If anxiety symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life, relationships, or work performance, it may be time to seek professional help. Have you tried self-help techniques, relaxation exercises, or talked with friends without finding lasting relief? If you’re having difficulty making progress or maintaining gains in managing your anxiety, expert support could be beneficial.

Anxiety can be challenging to address alone due to its complex nature. Various factors can contribute to anxiety, including stress, past experiences, relationship dynamics, work pressures, and how you process thoughts and emotions. A skilled therapist can help you uncover the underlying causes of your anxiety and develop effective coping strategies for long-lasting change.

Starting anxiety treatment may feel daunting, but with the right therapist to guide you, you can develop the tools and confidence to face your fears and live a more peaceful, fulfilling life.

When you begin therapy with one of our compassionate counselors, your therapist will first take the time to understand you as a whole person. The initial assessment will include exploring your current stressors and symptoms, your relationship dynamics, your past experiences, your family history, your cultural background and identities, your coping strategies, and the patterns you’ve noticed in your life.

Your therapist will focus on the issues that are causing your most distressing symptoms. Together, you’ll work to confront your anxieties and improve your quality of life. Your therapist will guide you in challenging anxious thoughts, facing feared situations gradually, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Therapy provides a safe space for you to process your thoughts and emotions and discover inner strength and resilience you may not have realized you possessed.

The length of time in therapy depends on each person’s unique situation and needs. Some people find significant relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Studies have shown that many people report feeling better within 8-10 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. You and your therapist will set goals and monitor your progress toward those goals. Ultimately, you’ll decide how long you want to work together with your therapist.