Anxiety Therapy

Stress affects Americans in a very significant way. A Gallup Poll shows that in the United States, about 55% of adults have experienced stress in a significant way compared to 35% globally (the global figure is still significant).

This stress is associated with worry, anxiety, and even anger! This ongoing stress and worry can sometimes contribute to a generalized state of anxiety. The concerning part is that only 43% of those being affected at this level are receiving treatment. Part of the problem is that we have “learned” that living with stress is normal and even part of being busy and successful.

We all experience changes in our lives. Of course, any negative change (e.g. divorce, relationship issues, financial, job, emotional problems, etc.) will have a negative effect. However, sometimes, even a “positive change” (job promotion, going to college, moving) results in unanticipated and unwanted anxiety and stress.

For example, according to the American College Health Association, 63% of students in the US felt overwhelming anxiety but only 23% are being treated. The sharpest increase relates to the initial transition to college. The same happens at times with a promotion or any other “positive change”. This can result in sleep disruption, excess caffeine, and substance use, difficulty concentrating, feeling on edge, etc. which can contribute to turning the “positive change” into a negative one.

Sometimes, however, anxiety just shows with no apparent reason or presence of stressors. This can be caused by a genetic tendency, underlying subconscious issues, or medical issues. In any case, regardless of the lack of an apparent cause, the effects are adverse.

Long-term effects of anxiety can cause your brain to release stress hormones on a regular basis. This can increase the frequency of certain symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and depression. Also, the extended presence of stress can affect the effectiveness of the immune system and be more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Regardless of your source of anxiety or stress, the effects are significant and over time will compound. Each person has different manifestations or symptoms but, in the end, there is a loss in functioning, and importantly, our emotional life is negatively affected. This applies not only to adults but also to children.

For example, children who are anxious have difficulty understanding what’s happening to them and how to express it. Some common symptoms among children with anxiety could be being clingy, startling easily, crying or having tantrums, poor sleep, having headaches or stomachaches.

One concern relates to when people engage in unhealthy coping strategies to offset anxiety and stress. Sometimes, this drives some individuals to rely on substances (drinking or self-medicating) that end up compounding the problem. In the end, the effects of stress and anxiety are significant and should not be ignored to avoid becoming larger and more complex.

I know from my professional experience that this is a pervasive problem but that it can be contained or eliminated with the proper treatment and care. With my guidance and help, you can overcome these situations and start to enjoy your life and be fully present.