Anxiety is more than the occasional sleepless night before a big presentation or jitters about a first date. As any therapist will tell you, this is a mental health condition that can appear in various definable forms, from PTSD to panic disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by six months or more of exaggerated, chronic worry. Read on to find out more about what it is and how it can be treated.

People with GAD tend to expect the worst, worrying excessively about everything from health to money and family—even if no signs of trouble are present. Symptoms may include insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, and even nausea. Common treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). CBT focuses on how your thoughts and attitudes impact your feelings and behavior. DBT is a type of CBT, which focuses on helping patients identify and change negative thinking patterns.

In addition to teaching you how to change your thinking to create positive behavioral changes, a therapist will provide you with coping mechanisms for anxiety:

• Breathing Techniques & Meditation: Meditation is an excellent way to slow down your mind and quell anxious thoughts. You can use it to train your brain to calm down, focusing on breathing and verbal mantras.
• Peripheral Vision Techniques: PVTs use peripheral vision to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. It demands that patients break the habit of tunnel vision, which can promote anxiety.
• Mindfulness Approaches: Mindfulness describes a mental state that is focused on the present moment. It encourages you to accept your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, attending fully to the “here and now.”

If you’re curious about these coping mechanisms and therapeutic approaches, a professional counselor can tell you more. Seeing a therapist is the first step in diagnosing anxiety disorders and securing the appropriate treatment. There is no need to live in a constant state of worry.

If you’re in need of a therapist in Juneau, AK, consider Colleen Torrence MED, LPC. This Licensed Professional Counselor has more than 15 years of experience working with kids and adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, and depression, among other issues. You can find a comprehensive list of counseling services online. For a consultation regarding your needs, call (907) 789-9212.