Understanding Anxiety: Exploring Its Causes, Symptoms, and Impact on Mental Health With an Anxiety Therapist

Nearly 18% of adults and 25% of adolescents experience anxiety; that’s millions of individuals worldwide (NIMH.) Anxiety is simultaneously one of today’s most common and misunderstood mental health conditions. As an anxiety therapist, I’ve seen anxiety look very different in people: one person may seem jittery and sweaty, and the other may seem reserved and standoffish.

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, impacting our thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. It’s crucial for both those that experience it and for their loved ones who want to offer support that we understand anxiety. In this month’s blog, let us delve deeper into anxiety, and explore its causes, symptoms, and the profound impact it can have on mental health. 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried occasionally. It is a persistent and excessive fear or apprehension about future events or situations, even when there is no perceived immediate threat. Anxiety can manifest as:

• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• panic disorder
• social anxiety disorder
• specific phobias
• or other specific anxiety disorders

If left unaddressed, anxiety can interfere with daily life, relationships, and our overall well-being.

What Causes Anxiety?

The causes of anxiety are multifaceted and can vary from person to person. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety, while others may develop it due to environmental factors, or life experiences. More common causes of anxiety include:

• trauma
• chronic stress
• major life transitions
• a family history of anxiety
• addiction
• childhood adversities

Understanding the cause of our anxiety is one of the first steps we can make towards helping ourselves and our loved ones. It can also help us find what treatment approaches would be best suited for our situation and experiences. 

What are Some Symptoms of Anxiety?

As we mentioned before, anxiety can manifest in a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms.

Emotional symptoms may include:

• feelings of restlessness
• irritability
• a constant sense of impending doom

Cognitive symptoms can involve:

• excessive worry
• racing thoughts
• difficulty concentrating
• intrusive and anxious thoughts

Physical symptoms can include:

• a rapid heart rate
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• trembling
• gastrointestinal disturbances

Please keep in mind that there are many other symptoms that can be attributed to anxiety and that everyone is unique in how they experience it. If you are wondering whether a certain symptom you are experiencing is anxiety or not, it is best to seek help from a licensed mental health professional to ask questions so as to ensure early intervention. 

Why It’s Important to Find an Anxiety Therapist

It might seem obvious, but it’s well worth repeating: living with anxiety can have a significant impact on your mental health and overall quality of life. Unmanaged anxiety can lead to chronic stress, exhaustion, and feelings of isolation, making it harder to participate in daily activities. Anxiety can also coexist with other mental health conditions such as depression, making it even harder to function day to day. 

Find a Therapist Who Specializes in Anxiety

While any mental health professional can help individuals who struggle with anxiety, a therapist that particularly specializes in anxiety can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of anxiety and its complexities. As an anxiety therapist who utilizes CBT, I recognize that each person’s thought process, feelings, physiological symptoms, and behaviors are unique to them and that treatment for each person looks different. 

Together, we will work together to recognize your symptoms, where they come from, and how you typically respond to them. Then, through cognitive behavioral therapy, we will work on understanding how your thoughts contribute to you feeling anxious, and how your negative thought patterns may compound your struggles. As you learn to identify, challenge, and restructure your thought patterns, your anxiety symptoms will begin to reduce in intensity and occurrence.

Anxiety Therapy in Parkland and Coconut Creek, FL

Recognizing the symptoms and understanding how anxiety can impact our lives is a crucial step. A step toward finding support for ourselves and for our loved ones. Seeking guidance from a specialized anxiety therapist can provide invaluable support and equip those of us who struggle with anxiety. With effective tools to manage it and improve our overall well-being. Remember, I’m here to help; anxiety doesn’t have to consume you!

Ready to Meet With an Anxiety Therapist in Coconut Creek and Parkland, FL?

Take control of your anxiety and reclaim your peace of mind with anxiety therapy at Invigorate Counseling. Our compassionate therapists specialize in helping individuals manage anxiety symptoms, providing effective strategies and support. Start your journey towards a calmer, more balanced life by reaching out to Invigorate Counseling and take the first step towards managing your anxiety with confidence. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1.  Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if anxiety therapy is right for you
2. Begin meeting with me, Lindsay Howard, a skilled anxiety therapist
3. Begin managing your anxiety symptoms in a healthy way!

Other Services Offered at Invigorate Counseling

At Invigorate Counseling, my goal is to help provide you with support in a safe space to help you manage your mental health needs. So, in addition to providing anxiety therapy at my Florida practice, I also offer Depression Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Grief Counseling, and Addiction Counseling. My services are offered for clients located in the state of Florida, specific to Parkland, Coconut Creek, Miami and Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Orlando, Tallahassee, and anywhere else in the state! For more about my practice, check out my FAQs and Blog!