Anxiety

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.

Online Anxiety Resources:

Anxiety Monitoring Form

Guided Relaxation

Home Relaxation Exercise Log

Information on Anxiety

Information on Panic Attacks

Stress Information Sheet

List of Pleasurable Activities:
Go for a scenic walk Bowling Eat a treat
Watch the clouds Putt-putt-golf Cook your favorite dish
Stargaze Billiards Try a new recipe
Go jogging Tennis Take a cooking class
Ride a bike Get a massage Go to a restaurant you haven’t been to yet
Go hiking Go sit outside Listen to the radio
Go roller-skating/ice skating Go for a drive Go to a sporting event
Go to a playground or watch a game Ride the bus somewhere new Play a board or card game with a friend
Try a new adventure sport like surfing or kayaking Plan a trip somewhere new, maybe even nearby Play solitaire
Basketball Take a nap Play video games
Chat online Go shopping Do something nice for others
Surf the internet Get a haircut and/or manicure/pedicure Go out for coffee/tea
Create your own website Go to the library Go to a museum or art gallery
Create your own blog Go to church Write a letter to God
Join a Christian meetup site Attend/join a small group church meeting Plant a garden
Sell unwanted items on the internet Go to the book store Take a bubble bath
Buy something on the internet Read your Bible Sign up for a new class
Do a puzzle Pray Read a novel
Write letters to friends/family Write about the funniest  thing that has ever happened to you Go to the mall or park to people watch
Journal Write a letter to someone who has improved your life Learn a new language
Write a letter to yourself only speaking of your strengths Make a list of ways to improve others’ lives Sing/learn a new song
Draw/paint/sculpt Call a friend or family member Join a theater group
Talk on the phone Go out with a friend Invite friends over
Make a list of positive role models/people you look up to Create your own list of fun activities Text friends/family
Organize a party Exercise Take a yoga class
Babysit a friend’s dog Bird watch Wildlife watch
Read the Sunday comics Go to the movies Watch TV
Play an instrument or learn how to Write a song or poem Listen to upbeat music
Make a movie Take pictures Dance
Additional Internet resources are: ADAA: Living With Anxiety Nami: Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety Nimh: Anxiety Disorders