What causes anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental health disorder where one’s nervous system is in a supercharged state. This person’s anxiety may be ever-present and fluctuate dependent on life circumstances, i.e. a presentation in college or when given recognition at work.
There are multiple factors can lead to anxiety or anxiety symptom presentations. A thorough assessment by a mental health psychotherapist or anxiety therapist can help tease out these different factors and place a more accurate diagnosis. Factors that influence anxiety can by any or all the following:
- Genetic predisposition
- Tumultuous childhood
- A family member’s mental health challenges that have negatively impacted you
- Substance use/abuse
- Traumatic experiences in life
- Life – work, relationship, or financial stressors
How do I cope with anxiety?Â
Great question. An easy answer is ‘whichever way leads you closer to your values.’ This is a broad answer but bear with me. There are many ways to cope with anxiety from pacing; biting nails; substance use; overeating; mindfulness; to psychiatric medication(s). All can work. This just depends on which skills/activities are most effective for you. The research shows us that suppression of our anxious thoughts may work in the short-term but not in the long-term. In fact, our anxious thoughts may come back with more intensity! I can’t tell you how to cope with anxiety. Activities and skills I have seen work for myself and others for the long-term include:
- Paying attention to your breath
- Lying on the floor (grounding)
- Guided imagery
- Exercise
- Therapy
- Psychiatric medications
How do I treat anxiety?
- Some people can manage their anxiety symptoms with coping skills and mindfulness.
- Others need to work with an anxiety therapist.
- Others may need both therapy and support from a psychiatrist. You can follow this link to find a great, local psychiatrist in Kenosha, Wisconsin here.
What therapies treat anxiety?
As of now, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has recently shown its effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms as well.
No matter where you are in your battle with anxiety or just need a little direction, it’s okay to ask for support. We offer free 20-minute consultation calls to ensure you are a good fit for therapy and mesh with our therapists. Submit a form here or call now to see if therapy is right for you.
