The Facts.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions. According to the NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men and anxiety often co-occurs with depression.
The Good News?
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. Several standard approaches have proven effective including therapy, medication, and alternative treatments.
One of the most effective treatments is CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is a type of talk therapy that aids people in examining unhelpful thinking patterns and how these thoughts influence attitudes and behaviors. In session, the therapist teaches coping skills and thought checking exercises that reduce anxiety. Most people see the benefits of CBT within 12-16 weeks!
Anxiety is a normal emotion. It’s really just your brains way of reacting to stress and alerting you to danger. Occasional anxiety is ok! But anxiety disorders are different.
The main symptoms of anxiety disorders include
-excessive fear or worry
-sleep problems or being easily fatigued
-feeling of panic, doom, or danger
-having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
-feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
-sweating, trembling, shaking
-heart palpitations, pounding heartbeat
-upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea
If anxiety is something you’ve been struggling with, reach out to schedule an appointment. Your mental health matters and so do you!
Debi Anson LMSW LCSW CAADC
616-268-2787
