What Does Anxiety Look Like?
Anxiety is more common than you might think. In fact, for every three individuals who come into my office seeking support, two of them want to target the impact of anxiety. Many women suffer from anxiety at varying degrees. They can experience fear, worry, and stress that affect their lives and relationships. It's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety to understand better what you or someone you know might be going through. So, what does anxiety look like, and how can you recognize it? Join The Mend Counseling as we discuss what anxiety might look like!
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest both emotionally and physically. Some physical symptoms of anxiety include headaches, stomach pain, rapid heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension. These symptoms are usually a result of the body's fight-or-flight response. When our brain senses potential danger, it releases stress hormones, which trigger the physical symptoms that some people with anxiety experience.
What If Thoughts
Have you found yourself feeling anxiety as you begin to mentally prepare for an upcoming event? Often, clients will feel as if they begin to cycle the what-if thoughts. What if this happens or this happens? Normally, these thoughts fall into the category of the worst-case scenario. Anxiety, in its purest sense, attempts to prepare us for transitioning to events, tasks, etc. Sadly, anxiety is an unhealthy dose that terrorizes us into thinking that the only way we can be ready is to prepare for all worst-case scenario contingencies. Anxiety can be so gripping that we can’t see what’s real or have the capacity for accurate thinking. Instead, the anxiety can be so overwhelming that we believe the reality it tells us. At our practice in Denver, CO, you can find different techniques to manage the “what-if” thoughts.
Negative Thought Loop
You begin cycling those negative thoughts and you create a negative thought loop based on conditions anxiety begins to manifest in you. Once the thought loop begins based on negative perceptions, that anxiety tells you to get ready for it. It is hard to integrate positive, accurate thinking. Learning new thought patterns and gently recognizing what is working for you and what is not, can help you learn to adopt healthy thought patterns. This can impact your behavior in a positive way which can lead to positive outcomes in daily life and relationships.
Avoidance Behavior in Anxiety
Another sign of anxiety is avoidance behavior. People with anxiety might avoid situations or environments that they perceive as stressful or triggering. They may cancel social events, stay away from places that are crowded, or avoid situations where they might be asked to speak publicly. This behavior can impact their daily lives and isolate them from family and friends.
Excessive Worry
Anxiety can also manifest through excessive worry or rumination. People with anxiety might anticipate negative outcomes in situations that most people wouldn't consider stressful. They might overanalyze conversations or events, creating scenarios that heighten their anxiety. This kind of worry often leads to feelings of stress and fear, which can affect their overall well-being.
Changes in Mood
Anxiety can also affect a person's mood. They might experience mood swings or be irritable, snap at people, or feel overwhelmed. These mood changes can happen even when there is no apparent reason for the person to be upset. Anxiety can create intense emotions, which can be challenging for the person to manage.
Sleep Disorders
Lastly, anxiety can impact a person's sleep. Some people might find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. They may experience nightmares or feel anxious as soon as they wake up. Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle that can impact their daily lives.
Why Colorado Anxiety Therapy?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety is the first step toward getting help. Talking to an anxiety therapist and finding support from friends and family can be crucial in managing anxiety. Remember, anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects many people worldwide, and there is no shame in seeking help. By learning about the triggers of anxiety, physical manifestations of anxiety, and mental symptoms of anxiety, you can help reduce the stigma surrounding this issue. Additionally, you can offer support to those who also might be struggling with it. If you’re ready to be
Begin Anxiety Counseling in Denver, CO today!
Ready to take control of your anxiety and regain your peace of mind? Let us help you find the path to calmness and confidence. Look no further than Mend Counseling in Denver, CO. Our anxiety therapists are here to guide you on your journey toward an anxiety-free life. With anxiety therapy, you’re not going through this alone. Let us help you! All you have to do is this:
Meet with one of our compassionate therapists.
Begin anxiety counseling and feel joy again!
Other Services our Anxiety Therapists Offer in Colorado & Arizona:
We know that life comes in all shapes and sizes. At The Mend Counseling, we offer a range of counseling services in addition to anxiety therapy to cater to everyone’s unique needs! Our therapists specialize in individual therapy, group counseling, maternal health support, & therapy for teens and university students. We also family counseling, therapy for women, and Christian counseling.