Anxiety is a normal and even healthy emotion – but when feelings of panic, worries and fear overwhelm you, it may be time to find relief and take your life back.
Anxiety is a common reaction to danger, according to therapists in Chicago who use a variety of therapeutic approaches to provide the best anxiety treatments. Understanding what is accute stress is crucial in addressing these overwhelming feelings effectively.
Work deadlines, exams, long commutes, health issues, financial problems, and family relationships are sources of anxiety. The stress we feel can be a motivator to find and work towards solutions and improve our quality of life.
So, if you feel anxious, know that you are not alone.
Anxiety becomes a disorder when it starts to affect your ability to do normal activities of daily living or interferes with your relationships.
Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States. About 18% of adults are affected by an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorder is treatable. Evidence-based anxiety treatments in Chicago are provided by certified, licensed counselors.
Understanding the types and signs of anxiety disorders is the first step in managing your anxiety The Celebrity Portal.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorder comes in several forms. They include:
- PTSD/Trauma
- Panic Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Social Anxiety and
- Phobias
To treat the above-listed anxiety disorders, experts in Chicago follow straightforward and practical approaches to psychotherapy.
What is Psychotherapy?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders, psychotherapy is a term for a “variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behavior”.
Most psychotherapy takes place with a licensed, trained mental health professional and a patient meeting one-on-one or with other patients in a group setting.
Small Yet Effective Steps
If you also know someone who is suffering from any of these anxiety disorders (PTSD/Trauma, Panic Disorder, Stress and Worry (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety and Phobias), encourage them to take these small yet effective steps:
Get 'Sleep' Healthy
Anxiety is frequently connected to sleeping problems. There is a complicated relationship between anxiety and sleep. Worry and fear can make falling asleep harder. Sleep deprivation can worsen anxiousness and lead to other mental health issues.
Foster a calm, quiet and relaxing bedroom environment. Stick to a regular bedtime and wake time routine, even on weekends. Avoid electronic screens, including TV and your mobile device, at least an hour before bedtime.
Say 'No' to Alcohol and Caffeine
Caffeine contributes to lack of sleep and poor quality of sleep. It also can increase stress and anxiety.
Many people will counteract the effects of caffeine with alcohol, or “unwind” with an alcoholic beverage. Using alcohol to cope with anxiety can be dangerous. Alcohol changes your levels of serotonin, a chemical that communicates information to nerve cells, and can lead to depression.
About 20 percent of people with a social anxiety disorder also suffer from alcohol dependence, according to Healthline.com.
Alcohol and caffeine are not anxiety treatments. Making healthy lifestyle changes is a better road.
Exercise Daily
Regular exercise, even a short daily walk, helps to deal with your anxiety and can provide relief. Physical exercise refreshes your mood and gives a plethora of other benefits. It also gives you a feeling of empowerment and positive thinking, which are crucial to mental health.
Research shows that physically active people “have lower rates of anxiety and depression than sedentary people,” according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
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Final Verdict
There are many different kinds of proven anxiety treatments in Chicago. Practice self-care and seek an experienced and trained therapist to help identify and appropriately treat anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Author's Bio
For the past 10 years, Sunny Skousen has been writing about individuals, couples, and family therapists who help to regain happiness, strengthen partnership, and minimize family conflicts. She curates creative and unique content to educate audiences.