Anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. More than 18% of American adults and 25% of teens experience an anxiety disorder, and these numbers are only growing.

While it is expected to experience anxiety when facing a stressful situation, anxiety symptoms make it difficult to carry on everyday tasks and responsibilities. People with anxiety disorders experience symptoms of anxiety without direct stressors; these symptoms often last for a long time.

Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

• Constant worry

• Restlessness

• Irritability

• Physiological Response such as difficulty sleeping or eating, nausea, stomachaches, headaches, etc.

• Panic attacks

• Accelerated heart rate causing other medical issues

If you are battling an anxiety disorder, there are options to help you manage your anxiety symptoms. One of the most effective ways to treat these symptoms is Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the process by which individuals can change behaviors and overcome challenges using psychological methods. This typically includes talking with a licensed therapist in a supportive environment.

If you are considering seeing a therapist for your anxiety symptoms, you are not alone. 42% of Americans have seen a therapist at least once in their lifetime. Psychotherapy is an important tool for people with anxiety disorders to help them understand their symptoms & regain control.

Here are five ways psychotherapy can effectively treat your anxiety symptoms:

1. Identifying Triggers

Before you can treat your anxiety, you first need to know what causes it. A psychologist or therapist can help you learn what underlying situations, events, and factors cause your anxiety. Many people know they are experiencing anxiety, but they do not know why. Through talking to a therapist, these patients can discover what factors trigger their anxiety.

There can be many different events and experiences that cause anxiety symptoms to be more severe including:

• Health issues

• Financial concerns

• Chronic stress

• Relationship problems

• Sexuality

• Thought patterns

• Family events

• Medication

Sometimes these triggers can be difficult to identify on your own. A therapist has the training and tools available to help you learn what contributes to your anxiety.

Once you know your triggers, you will be better able to address them and decrease the severity of your anxiety symptoms.

2. Changing Thought Patterns

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that can effectively treat anxiety disorders. Through CBT, patients are able to learn how certain thought patterns can intensify their anxiety symptoms. Mental health professionals who specialize in CBT promote this by having patients talk, journal, and respond to questions specific to the patient’s needs.

Sometimes people with anxiety disorder experience harmful thought patterns, such as:

• Negative judgements of themselves

• Holding themselves to too high of a standard

• Assuming that everything they try will eventually fail or fall apart

• Underestimating their ability to cope with tough situations

• Always fearing the worst possible outcome

A therapist can help identify harmful thought patterns and provide strategies to help conquer these negative thoughts. As they practice putting these strategies in place, patients can better manage their anxiety symptoms.

3. Changing Behaviors

In addition to modifying thought patterns, psychotherapy also helps patients change behaviors. A therapist can help you find strategies and techniques that reduce the behaviors that agitate anxiety symptoms.

Common behaviors associated with anxiety include:

• Avoidance

• Procrastination

• Refusing to take action

• Rumination

• Irritation

Therapists help patients recognize when they are exhibiting these behaviors. Once you learn how to identify these behaviors, you can use techniques overcome them.

4. Creating Coping Mechanisms

Avoidance is not a healthy way to deal with situations that create anxiety. Some situations, events, and experiences will always trigger your anxiety. However, working with a therapist can help you lessen your symptoms.

Therapists can teach you coping mechanisms that will reduce or eliminate your anxiety symptoms, even when you are in are in a stressful situation. For instance, a patient whose demanding workplace contributes to their anxiety can learn techniques to destress at work. Psychotherapy will teach you ways to make better choices when you are feeling anxious and reassure you that everything will be okay.

5. Providing Support

Learning more about yourself and the underlying causes of your anxiety can be a difficult process. Psychotherapy is beneficial because it provides a safe, supportive environment for you to discuss what makes you feel frustrated, worried, angry, and even at peace. Therapists will listen to you without judgement and have the training to offer you support and guidance in a caring but objective and professional manner.

In moments when anxiety treatment proves challenging, your therapist will provide support, encouragement, and strategies to help you overcome. This support can make a huge difference when it comes to managing anxiety symptoms. You do not have to struggle with your anxiety alone.

Approximately 75% of people who have started psychotherapy have experienced positive benefits, and you can be one of them. If the symptoms of your anxiety disorder have become unmanageable, seek anxiety counseling today.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our Anxiety Counseling page or call 919-647-4600.