Do I Need Therapy for My Anxiety?

Dealing with anxiety can be tough. It's a complex issue that affects our thoughts, emotions, and even our bodies. We all experience a little anxiety from time to time when faced with stress or fear, but when it sticks around and starts getting in the way of our daily lives, it might be time to consider therapy. So, in this article, you will hear it from the experts as they answer some common questions about anxiety. You will learn how to recognize symptoms of anxiety when to seek help, and explore different treatment options. So, if anxiety has been weighing you down, keep reading. We're here to help you understand and find the support you need.

1. What is anxiety? Is it a feeling perception or my personality?

Anxiety can manifest in different ways, affecting your feelings, daily functioning, and even your perception of the world. As Steve Carleton, LCSW, CACIII a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, explains, anxiety can be viewed as a feeling, a disorder, and a part of your personality. It’s important to recognize that anxiety, as a feeling, is a natural response to stress or fear, and it often fades away over time. However, when anxiety becomes chronic and interferes with your daily life, it can be classified as an anxiety disorder. This type of anxiety is often associated with underlying mental health conditions or triggered by traumatic events or life situations.

Furthermore, anxiety can also influence your personality, causing you to perceive or experience situations as more dangerous than they are. It may stem from past experiences, beliefs, fears, and concerns about potential risks and dangers, even without concrete evidence.

Licensed Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Victoria Chan https://www.drvictoriachan.com says, “Anxiety is a healthy short-term response designed to keep us safe. But when we can’t turn off our anxiety (or it activates when we don’t want it to), it becomes a disorder because it impedes our quality of life.”

2. How do I tell if that's what's happening to me?

Feeling overwhelmed and anxious is something many of us experience at some point in our lives. Recognizing the signs and understanding that anxiety affects our minds and bodies is important. Alissa Martinez, a therapist specializing in anxiety https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissamartinez explains the mind-body connection “Anxiety usually causes our minds to become overloaded with anxious thoughts and feelings, often resulting in our bodies responding with unfavourable and inconvenient tiredness.” Ellie Borden, a psychotherapist https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellieborden/ and Melanie Anderson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-anderson-lcsw shed light on the various symptoms of anxiety. They state that though symptoms differ from person to person, some common indicators of anxiety include palpitations, fear, avoidance, sweating, trembling, restlessness, and nausea. Additionally, if you feel irritable, with your mind racing, and you find it difficult to “turn your thoughts off, it could be time to consider therapy.

3. Can anxiety take different forms?

Anxiety is a common human experience, and therapists agree that it can manifest in various forms and affect individuals differently. Therapists like Melanie Anderson and Dr Victoria Chan emphasize that anxiety goes beyond racing thoughts and panic attacks. For some, as Melanie Anderson puts it, anxiety may manifest as anger issues, as an individual struggle to maintain control when things don’t go as planned. Others may exhibit perfectionistic behaviour driven by a fear of failure and unrealistically high expectations. Additionally, “anxiety can impact the body in ways such as stomach butterflies, allergy-like reactions, dizziness, or blood sugar fluctuations,” Dr. Victoria Chan explains. Understanding the diverse ways anxiety presents itself is crucial in providing empathetic support.

4. When should I be worried, or what signs imply I need therapy?

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety can be a challenging experience, but recognizing when to seek therapy is an important step toward finding support and healing. Melanie Anderson explains, “If the anxiety is persistent throughout the day or becomes so intense it is difficult to engage or complete your typical daily tasks, such as your job duties or responsibilities around your home, it may be beneficial to seek therapy. If you find yourself so irritable that your relationships start to suffer, seek therapy. If you are avoiding social situations and, as a result, are isolating and feeling alone, seek help.”

5. Can anxiety (panic, OCD, phobia, avoidance) be cured?

Dealing with anxiety can be overwhelming, but there’s hope for relief. You can learn to manage symptoms and develop healthier coping mechanisms through a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Steve Carleton says, “Depending on the type of anxiety that someone has, treatment may involve a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used in the treatment of anxiety as it helps individuals learn skills for managing their symptoms and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Medications are sometimes prescribed to help reduce the intensity of anxiety symptoms, although they do not necessarily cure the disorder itself.”

Licensed Psychologist Dr Lauren Koch, PhD. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmkoch/ says, “Therapy can help reduce the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms. That doesn't mean you will never have an anxious feeling or thought again, but it does mean that you can feel more prepared to respond to anxiety so that it doesn't negatively impact your life.”

6. What does therapy for anxiety look like?

When it comes to therapy for anxiety, various approaches can make a meaningful difference. Melanie Anderson explains, “Treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which looks at how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected and teach you ways to reframe amicus thinking, which can lead to decreasing anxiety. It also teaches how behavioural changes can lead to decreasing anxiety. DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), teaches skills that help to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, communicate effectively, and use mindfulness, all of which help manage anxiety.”

Ellie Borden states, “This can involve many hours of talking out your thoughts, feelings, and actions to your therapist to uncover the reasons behind your anxiety and learn strategies for coping.”

7. How does one find (or recognize) the right therapist (for me)?

When you prioritize your mental health and embark on your journey to well-being, you deserve the best support. Steve Carleton, suggests a few key steps. “When looking for a therapist, it is important to research your options and ensure that they specialize in treating anxiety. It's also helpful to look for recommendations from friends or family members who have had success with their therapists. Meeting with potential therapists to determine if you feel comfortable with them and confident in their approach can also be beneficial. You can ask them questions about their credentials and experience and any specific techniques they use in their practice.”

8. Does it matter who I see? Are all therapies and therapists effective?

Finding the perfect therapist who truly understands and connects with you is essential. As Melanie Anderson explains, personal preferences matter, whether it's about the therapist's gender, race, or therapeutic approach. Hannah Brents, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, https://www.instagram.com/theologytherapist/ emphasizes, “Research shows that the biggest indicator of successful therapy is the relationship with the therapist. So, yes. The therapist you choose has a major impact on whether it feels helpful.”

9. If pills work, surely this is a chemical thing. How does talk help?

If you've ever wondered how talking can help with anxiety when medication seems effective, Ellie Borden sheds some light on the issue. She explains that medication adjusts brain chemicals to manage symptoms, while talk therapy goes deeper, addressing the root causes of anxiety and transforming negative thinking and actions. It provides coping strategies and support and helps individuals work through emotions in a safe environment. For many, medications get their anxiety under control enough to receive, process, and apply the coping mechanisms learned in talk therapy. Combining medication and therapy can yield powerful results, treating underlying issues and eventually reducing reliance on medication under professional supervision.

10. Online therapy seems manageable, but is in-person therapy more effective?

Finding the right format for therapy can make a difference in your journey toward well-being. Online therapy has its advantages, but the effectiveness varies for each person. Ellie Borden states that internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapies can effectively treat anxiety and depression. (Kladnitski et al., 2018). For example, some people prefer to do mindfulness-based therapy via an online platform since they don't feel safe or comfortable enough to keep their eyes closed in an in-person setting. However, Alisa Kamis-Brinda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisakamisbrinda/ points out that in-person therapy may be better for individuals with agoraphobia and social anxiety or those undergoing exposure and response prevention therapy. Working with your therapist to determine the best modality for your specific needs is important.

In conclusion, whether it is a feeling, disorder, or part of your personality, anxiety can significantly impact your daily life. Recognizing the signs of anxiety is crucial so you can seek therapy and receive the support and tools needed to manage it effectively.

Sources

Kladnitski, N., Smith, J., Allen, A., Andrews, G., & Newby, J. M. (2018). Online mindfulness-enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression: Outcomes of a pilot trial. An Internet Interventions, 13, 41†“50.Â

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2018.06.003