Anxiety

Anxiety is the most painful of the mental health disorders. Sometimes it occurs as a stand alone disorder or as one of many symptoms of a separate disorder such as bi-polar disorder. The feelings associated with anxiety are extremely uncomfortable. If a person was tied down on a railroad track with a large engine coming toward them at 80 mph they would exhibit symptoms of fear. Their pulse would quicken. Their breathing would become shallow and rapid. They might experience numbness and tingles in the extremities. They would have a cold sensation in the abdominal area, a feeling of pressure in the chest to name only a few of there symptoms. Anxiety is all of this without the track or the engine.

Sometimes the source of the anxiety is clear to the individual. Other times it is a mystery. The symptom may be generally persistent or primarily associated with specific triggers such as driving or riding in elevators. The symptoms of anxiety may begin at any point of life or may end at any time. They are own internal alarm systems that are trying to let us know that something is wrong.

Everyone has experienced momentary fleeting anxiety in the course of daily living, however, if the anxiety symptoms are extreme, persistent or out of context with ones expected emotional experience help should be saught to explore the nature and cause of the anxiety. Whenever possible, it is recommended that anxiety be treated with little or no medication. Untreated anxiety disorders are the root motivators behind many addictions and violent crimes. Untreated anxiety has also been a factor in the workplace, relationships, school and social problems.

Following a thorough assessment the client in counseling will be helped to explore the origins of their anxiety. They will be assisted in developing new patterns, strategies and coping methods that will decrease anxiety during their daily functioning.

There are a number of specific disorders that are driven by anxiety. Some of these include: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD), Social Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety, Accute Stress Disorder and PTSD.

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