HELP FOR ANXIETY
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including excessive worry and irrational fears that impact your ability to engage in everyday activities.
Anxiety is incredibly prevalent in our lives, often to the point where it's easy to overlook or downplay its significance. However, it's important to recognize that anxiety can be profoundly unsettling and all-encompassing. It may persist relentlessly, feel beyond your control, and become overwhelmingly intense. When anxiety starts to significantly interfere with your daily life, it may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.
​
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." - William James
​
SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
Anxiety affects each person uniquely. However, some of the common symptoms tend to present similarly for those who are struggling with more moderate to severe anxiety.
You may experience can include racing thoughts, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, dizziness, muscle tension, trembling, chronic pain, digestive problems, restlessness, difficulty focusing, irritability, hypervigilance, irrational fear, excessive worry, avoiding social situations, shaky hands, dry mouth, sweaty palms, fatigue, insomnia and/or panic attacks.
The symptoms of anxiety can range from causing mild stress to significantly impairing your ability to function. You might constantly fear experiencing panic attacks or find yourself actively avoiding situations, people, or places that have triggered your anxiety in the past.
Have a Question? Talk to a Rep
WHAT TO EXPECT IN ANXIETY COUNSELING
Anxiety therapy involves a comprehensive approach that extends beyond simple coping techniques.
The symptoms associated with anxiety can be draining and leave you feeling depleted. Each day, you find yourself avoiding situations that trigger your anxiety, resulting in a constant state of exhaustion. Essentially, you're worn out from navigating life in this manner. You've reached a point where you recognize the necessity for assistance with your anxiety. However, you're uncertain about the potential outcomes of therapy. You fear that therapy may offer simplistic solutions like "take deep breaths," without addressing the root causes or bringing about meaningful change.
Our counselors adopt and integrated method to address your anxiety concerns.
Our counselors adopt an integrated method to address your anxiety concerns. During counseling sessions tailored to address anxiety, your therapist will use evidence-based interventions aimed at providing relief from your symptoms. These may include a combination of mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, grief processing, and exposure therapy. Throughout your anxiety counseling journey, you'll collaborate closely with your therapist to not only alleviate the symptoms of anxiety but also explore and address the underlying factors contributing to your distress.
While there are similarities in the symptoms of anxiety, the roots of anxiety are vast and diverse.
​
-
Past trauma or unresolved emotional wounds
-
Chaotic or unstable environments
-
Significant life transitions or changes
-
Unresolved grief or loss
-
Suppressed or unacknowledged emotions
-
Genetic predisposition or family history of anxiety disorders
-
High levels of stress or chronic stressors
-
Perfectionism or high-pressure environments
-
Personality traits such as sensitivity or type A behavior
-
Chronic illness or health concerns
Therapy for anxiety begins with support and strategies to prepare us for digging deeper into the root causes.
STRATEGIES FOR ANXIETY MANAGEMENT INCLUDE:
Our therapy culminates with the re-evaluation of personal values and a shift in focus towards a future characterized by freedom and purpose, moving away from the grip of anxiety and towards holistic well-being.
-
Identifying and reframing distorted thought patterns
-
Cultivating emotional awareness and fostering healthy emotional regulation
-
Clarifying personal values and sources of purpose
-
Incorporating a range of wellness activities into daily routines, such as physical exercise and mindfulness meditation, to cultivate relaxation and vitality
As individuals engage in skill-building exercises, the underlying roots of their anxiety often come to light.
This phase seamlessly transitions into deeper therapeutic work, tailored to each individual's unique needs. Approaches may include exposure therapy, grief processing, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, as we strive to address and heal the core sources of anxiety.
Have a Question? Talk to a Rep
GET HELP FOR ANXIETY IN THE CHATTANOOGA AREA
Chattanooga Counseling and Consulting offers both individual and online counseling for anxiety.
Individual therapy sessions for anxiety are held weekly or biweekly and last 55 minutes. Online therapy is offered as a convenient option. If you live in the Chattanooga area and are ready to get help for your anxiety, we are here to help. To begin individual or online counseling for anxiety, follow these three steps:
​
-
Contact our counseling office or call 423-417-3161 to schedule an initial therapy session. Or schedule directly through our website using our Book Now feature.
-
Fill out our easy and convenient online paperwork before your first appointment.
-
Begin therapy for anxiety and panic attacks and move forward with your life!
TIPS TO MANAGE ANXIETY AT HOME
If you're not quite ready to embark on formal counseling for anxiety, consider these 10 self-care strategies to help manage anxiety from the comfort of your own home:
​
-
Seek support from trusted friends or family members who can offer a listening ear and empathetic understanding.
-
Engage in regular physical exercise, such as walking, jogging, or yoga, to release tension and promote relaxation.
-
Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation techniques to calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
-
Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar intake, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
-
Establish a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring adequate rest and rejuvenation each night.
-
Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading, painting, gardening, or listening to music.
-
Limit exposure to news and social media, which can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
-
Challenge negative thought patterns by reframing them with positive affirmations and realistic perspectives.
-
Establish boundaries to protect your mental and emotional well-being, saying no to activities or commitments that add unnecessary stress.
-
Practice mindfulness techniques, such as mindful breathing or body scanning, to cultivate present moment awareness and reduce anxiety.
Other Services offered at Chattanooga Counseling and Consulting
The treatment of anxiety is multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of the condition itself, and getting help for it can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, when you're dealing with anxiety, it's not just anxiety - it's also - it's also depression, trauma, burnout, or grief. Don't worry, at Chattanooga Counseling and Consulting, we're here to offer different ways to help you move towards wellness. Whether you need support with trauma, want to try therapy, or just need someone to talk to in a safe setting, we've got you covered. If you're ready to start making positive changesand you're in the Chattanooga area, we're here to support you every step of the way.