By: Dr. Lauren Aikin-Smith (she/they)
“I have Anxiety”
This is something most of us hear or say daily. But what does this really mean? Anxiety is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of emotional, physical, and psychological experiences.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety isn’t always bad. It’s a normal human response used to help identify potential threats. In small doses, it can be useful, and actually, if all of your anxiety disappeared, you might be in trouble. Anxiety may help us prepare for a big presentation at work, study for an exam, or make sure we pay the light bill on time.
When anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, or interferes with day-to-day life, that is when it is no longer useful and may need to be managed in another way, such as seeking out therapy or counseling for your anxiety.
Is it All in My Head?
Many people associate anxiety with excessive worrying, and while that is a common symptom, it isn’t the only symptom, and sometimes it isn’t even the main one. Some other symptoms may include:
- Racing thoughts
- “What if” scenarios running through your head
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Perfectionism
- Overthinking
- People-pleasing
This list is not exhaustive, and you may be experiencing other symptoms as well. However, many people come to therapy complaining about anxiety, only to find out that the anxiety isn’t the main issue at all; it’s just a symptom of something bigger, such as grief, unresolved trauma or PTSD, depression, neurodiversity like ADHD or Autism, burnout, or chronic stress.
What is Anxiety Telling Us?
Therapy can help turn your view from anxiety as the enemy to anxiety as a signal. Through therapy, you can learn how to regulate and become curious about your anxiety.
Anxiety may be trying to tell you:
- A need is not being met
- Boundaries are being crossed
- Stress levels are too high
- Past experiences are influencing the present situation
- There is uncertainty or fear about the future
- Your nervous system is stuck in a heightened state
Or several other things! Instead of focusing on trying to make anxiety disappear, therapy can help you uncover the root cause contributing to your anxiety.
Anxiety Treatment
Everyone’s experience is unique, so the treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Most often, a combination of different methods works best. In therapy, you may:
- Explore thought patterns
- Process emotional experiences
- Work through past experiences
- Learn ways to regulate the nervous system
- Develop coping skills
- Discover new ways of understanding yourself
Treatment may include:
- Cognitive strategies
- Mindfulness practices
- Somatic techniques
- Stress management skills
- Trauma-informed or trauma-based interventions
- Motivational interviewing and behavioral management techniques
- Exposure techniques
- Developing coping skills
The goal of therapy is not to get rid of anxiety or even to eliminate all of the symptoms of anxiety. Instead, it is to help people develop a healthier relationship with themselves, increase resilience, and feel more confident.
You are Not Alone
No matter how your anxiety shows up, support is available. You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to understand exactly why you are struggling with anxiety before seeking therapy. Sometimes a valuable aspect of therapy is having a space to slow down, explore what is happening inside you, and develop tools to help you every day. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment with any of our therapists or counselors for anxiety management at our office in Pittsburgh, PA, or via telehealth in Pennsylvania.
To schedule an appointment on telehealth or at our office in Pittsburgh, PA contact us here or email info@elementspgh.com
or call 412-587-6020.
The information contained in this blog does not replace professional treatment or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.
