Anxiety can be quite common, and therapy is an effective tool for managing it.
Dr. Christine Sparacino
Psychoanalytic Psychologist
I work with adults of all ages in individual therapy.
Let’s schedule a free 15 minute consultation to chat about working together. This will give us an opportunity to talk about your goals for therapy and determine if we should schedule our first appointment.
Do you find that you’re worrying more often than before? Is it difficult to slow down your thoughts? Do you fear something bad is lurking around the corner?
When it comes to anxiety, psychotherapy aims to help individuals understand the underlying causes of their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in their lives. Anxiety can get in the way of many parts of your life and therapy can help you.
Through therapy, we will talk about possible causes for your anxiety. We will identify the ways in which anxiety is interfering with your life, and we will work together to help you manage the anxiety, rather than the anxiety managing you.
By working collaboratively together, I will help you gain a deeper understanding of your anxiety, learn effective coping mechanisms, and ultimately regain control over their lives.
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. It can manifest through a range of emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral symptoms. Keep in mind that everyone's experience of anxiety can be unique, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of anxiety:
Excessive Worry: Persistent and uncontrollable worry about a variety of situations, events, or future outcomes.
Fear: Intense fear or dread, often accompanied by a sense of impending danger or doom.
Restlessness: Feeling restless, on edge, or unable to sit still.
Anticipatory Anxiety: Experiencing anxiety in anticipation of a future event, even if the event is not particularly threatening.
Irritability: Increased irritability, impatience, or difficulty remaining calm.
Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus or concentrate due to racing thoughts and worries.
Negative Thoughts: Persistent negative thoughts, self-doubt, and catastrophic thinking about potential outcomes.
Cognitive Distortions: Engaging in cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization, black-and-white thinking, or magnification of negative events.
Excessive Self-Consciousness: Feeling self-conscious and excessively concerned about being judged or evaluated by others.
Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted and distressing thoughts or images that repeatedly enter your mind.
Muscle Tension: Tensing muscles and feeling physically tense, leading to discomfort and sometimes pain.
Fatigue: Feeling tired and fatigued, often due to the constant arousal and heightened state of anxiety.
Increased Heart Rate: Rapid heart rate or palpitations due to the body's "fight or flight" response being activated.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, often due to shallow breathing patterns.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, stomachaches, indigestion, or other gastrointestinal problems.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, sometimes accompanied by feelings of unreality.
Avoidance: Avoiding situations, places, or activities that trigger anxiety or fear.
Compulsive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety, such as checking, washing, or counting.
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and withdrawing from relationships due to anxiety.
Procrastination: Delaying tasks or decisions due to anxiety about potential outcomes.
Impaired Functioning: Finding it challenging to perform everyday tasks, work, or school activities due to anxiety.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep due to racing thoughts and worry.
Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and sensations, and can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Physical activity can have a positive impact on mood and stress levels. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. A balanced diet can support overall well-being. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, as they can sometimes exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
Talking to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings can be very beneficial. Sometimes, just sharing your concerns can help alleviate anxiety. Identify and minimize sources of stress in your life where possible. Learn to say no when you're overwhelmed and practice time management.
Remember that healing from anxiety is a gradual process, and what works for one person might not work for another. It's important to be patient with yourself and to seek professional help if your anxiety is severe or persistent. Therapists and mental health professionals can provide tailored guidance and support based on your individual situation.
Take action today and start taking steps towards a better future.
