Anxiety: Where the End is a New Beginning

Nervousness. Restlessness. Tension. Rapid heart rate. Sense of impending doom. Sweating. Trembling. Difficulty controlling worry. These are common symptoms of anxiety.

Experiencing anxiety from time-to-time is normal.  Anxiety is an important way our body lets us know we are afraid, so we can anticipate difficulties and prepare for those difficulties. However, when the symptoms of anxiety become frequent, intense, or inhibit our ability to function daily, it veers from a healthy symptom to an overwhelming and destructive impairment.  There are many different types of anxiety disorders in the DSM-V: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, specific phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and so on.

Recognizing or being diagnosed with a disorder is not an end.  In fact, a diagnosis is simply a label that allows professionals to categorize, communicate, and provide effective treatment. A diagnosis might very well be the beginning to overcoming an affliction that is limiting an individual’s ability to enjoy life. Treatment for anxiety comes in many forms, from a quick fix to a long-term strategy.  Quite simply, the quick fix is prescription medication. While medication is sometimes necessary, the more effective, long-term solution is talk therapy.

As there are many types of anxiety disorders, the first step toward a new beginning is seeking a trained, experienced psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis.  A psychiatrist can help you determine if prescription medication is necessary to help alleviate your symptoms.  The good news is most psychiatrists accept insurance.  The second step is to find a therapist and begin a regular course of therapy.  Depending on your anxiety presentation, you and your therapist will determine the best course of action. Treatment can consist of one-on-one therapy, group therapy, support groups, or a combination.

Typically, therapy will initially focus on learning the function of the anxiety and how something that often is very helpful has become uncontrollable.  Depending on how severe the anxiety presentation is, therapy will often attempt to help the client adapt problematic thought patterns, reframe situations, or manage triggers.  Additionally, therapy might focus on learning to overcome unwanted anxiety presentations through the use of calming, relaxation, or breathing techniques.

No matter the type or severity of your anxiety, the most important thing to understand is if the nervousness, restlessness, tension, and worry is your body telling you it might be ready for change.  Anxiety need not end your ability to function daily.  You have the potential to create a beginning that allows you to function and even enjoy day-to-day life.  Is it time for a beginning?

Jeff Grossman offers individual and group therapyin Nashville & Brentwood, Tennessee that helps clients decrease their stress and anxiety.