Therapy for Anxiety in Orange County

WHO SUFFERS FROM ANXIETY?

We Specialize in Therapy for Anxiety in Orange County

Anxiety affects over 40 million adults in the U.S.

We frequently find ourselves feeling anxious about a range of situations, including upcoming tests, public speaking engagements, or interacting with others. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) notes the presence of different anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder, both of which often respond well to treatment. Despite the effectiveness of available treatments, it is concerning that only around one-third of individuals with anxiety seek help. It is crucial to monitor any signs of depression that may coincide with feelings of anxiety, as these conditions often coexist and influence each other.

Although there are many similarities in how anxiety manifests, it is a unique experience to each person. Our goal is to assist you in comprehending the personalized significance of anxiety in your life. By dedicating ourselves to providing a secure environment, we aim to facilitate the exploration of your anxiety and support in alleviating its symptoms effectively.

WHAT DOES ANXIETY FEEL LIKE?

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can feel different for different people, but some common experiences include:

1. Physical sensations can manifest in various ways due to anxiety. Individuals may experience a rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, trembling, fluctuations in body temperature, tightness or discomfort in the chest, shallow breathing, and sensations of dizziness or nausea as a result of their anxiety.

2. Emotional symptoms: Anxiety can cause intense feelings of fear, worry, apprehension, irritability, restlessness, and a sense of impending doom. These overwhelming emotions can lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating.

3. Cognitive symptoms: Anxiety can manifest as an overwhelming sense of imminent peril, rapid and incessant thoughts, challenges in maintaining focus, as well as heightened levels of unease and repetitive distressing thoughts.

4. Behavioral symptoms: Anxiety can result in the avoidance of specific situations, particularly social settings or places that provoke anxiety. Additionally, individuals may engage in compulsive behaviors like frequent checking and seeking reassurance to manage their anxiety symptoms.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS

There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is a chronic condition known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), marked by excessive and persistent worry about daily occurrences without a clear trigger. Individuals with GAD often manifest physical manifestations like muscle tension, fatigue, and irritability as part of their symptoms.

Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic. These episodes can manifest with various physical symptoms like sweating, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The distressing nature of panic attacks can lead to significant disruptions in daily life due to their unpredictable and overwhelming nature.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Social anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by a persistent fear of social interactions and the fear of being scrutinized by others. Individuals grappling with social anxiety often go to great lengths to evade social situations or may undergo overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks when confronted with such scenarios.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of persistent and distressing thoughts (obsessions) that prompt individuals to engage in repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) as a means of alleviating the anxiety caused by these intrusive thoughts.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD and Complex-PTSD are conditions that may emerge following exposure to a significant trauma, like a natural calamity, severe collision, or a violent offense. Indications of these disorders often encompass experiencing flashbacks, steering clear of triggers, and enduring increased levels of anxiety.

Specific Phobias: Specific phobias are characterized by an overwhelming sense of fear or anxiety triggered by a particular object, circumstance, or behavior. This can encompass a diverse range of specific fears like acrophobia (fear of heights), arachnophobia (fear of spiders), or aviophobia (fear of flying).

It’s crucial to recognize that anxiety disorders may coincide with other mental health conditions, such as depression. It is essential to understand that every individual's encounter with anxiety is distinctive. If you identify symptoms of anxiety within yourself, seeking professional assistance is vital for obtaining a precise diagnosis and the right treatment. Let us provide you with therapy for anxiety on Orange County.