Uncertainty, lack of control, high expectations, perfectionism, the unshakable feeling like something bad is going to happen - these are all things that can make us feel anxious. The feeling of anxiety may be temporary, or it may be a never-ending cycle of worries. Sometimes the “what ifs” of life can be crippling and no matter how hard you try to push it away, it keeps coming back. It’s easy to let stress about work, money, and relationships build up to a point that feels overwhelming. For these reasons and many others, anxiety is one of the most common reasons that people seek therapy.

There are different types of anxiety:

1. Fear of evaluation: when you worrying about what other people think of you or feel the pressure to be perfect.

2. Fear of losing control: when you worry about having a panic attack or losing control.

3. Fear of uncertainty: when you worry about the unknowns and the “what-ifs”.

4. Fear of worst-case scenarios: when you worry that something really bad is going to happen. This includes phobias, such as the fear of heights.

You may experience one or multiple of these fears. Either way, these fears can be paralyzing and make it difficult to move forward or enjoy life.

What are Signs that I have Anxiety?

Anxiety goes hand-in-hand with a number of different symptoms. Sometimes people experience anxiety physically, such as having tense muscles, an upset stomach, or a racing heart. Other times, anxiety comes out in the way we think, such as having racing thoughts or constant worries. The way you experience anxiety may be different from the way someone else experiences it, but it doesn’t mean that it’s any less upsetting. You may benefit from therapy if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:

• Do you have a racing mind?

• Do you have frequent muscle tension?

• Do you often feel on-edge or jumpy?

• Do you automatically assume worst case scenarios?

• Do you depend on reassurance from others?

• Do you look for a great deal of information before making a decision?

• Do you avoid certain situations, places, things, or people?

• Do you procrastinate frequently?

• Do you feel like you must worry?

• Do you double-, triple-, and quadruple-check locks, switches, appliances, and other things?

Therapy can provide a supportive environment to help you manage any anxiety you might feel.

How is Anxiety Treated?

Therapy is very effective for treating anxiety. At Old Town Psychology, we use cognitive behavioral therapy to help you:

• Change how you think. We will help you worry less.

• Change what you do. We will help you do activities that you might normally avoid.

• Change how you feel. We will help you feel more relaxed and less tense.

By the end of our work together, you will feel more confident that you can manage your anxiety.

* https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics