Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious or nervous when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or when making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause such distress that it interferes with a person’s ability to lead a normal life. Anxiety disorders are the most common of all the mental health disorders. An anxiety disorder may make you feel anxious most of the time, without any apparent reason. Anxious feelings may be so uncomfortable that in order to avoid them, you may stop some everyday activities. Some individuals may have occasional bouts of anxiety so intense that they become terrified and/or immobilized.
Treatment modalities for anxiety include individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are two proven talking therapies that can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Behavioral Therapy focuses on changing specific behaviors and uses techniques to stop unwanted behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches ways to identify, understand, and change the way one thinks about stressful things. Although anxiety can be difficult to cope with, there is help.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of anxiety and would like to discuss available treatments, call Genesis Counseling Center at (757) 827-7707.
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