Anxiety

Dr. Jekyll… and Mr. Hyde

When the sun is shining in a cloudless sky, anxiety can actually be your friend. It’s a normal emotion that motivates you to be prepared. It’s that trusty voice that gives you a head’s up when there’s potential danger.

But when the skies darken and rain starts pouring down, it can overwhelm – becoming a deadly toxin that paralyzes you from acting and makes you feel miserable.

Suddenly, that friend who once protected you begins to wear you down. You can’t eat. You can’t sleep. Your muscles tighten, your head pounds, and your queasy stomach threatens.

Thoughts of self-doubt and fear of what others may think flood your brain – you worry and obsess over a future filled with things you can’t control.

With all the commotion, you find it harder and harder to concentrate and easier and easier to blame yourself.
You know you shouldn’t do that, but how?

You need help.

A dangerous combination

If depression is the “yin,” then anxiety is the “yang” – because the two are often intertwined. This is understandable.

As you become increasingly depressed, a potentially devastating cycle evolves. Your productivity at work and home usually plummets; consequently, your confidence and self-esteem erode, and your sleep suffers.

As things begin to pile up, anxiety naturally follows. Conversely, being chronically anxious can eventually lead to depression.

There are medications, but…

Medication can help with anxiety, but at what cost?

Unfortunately, some anxiety medications are potentially addictive, and doctors are increasingly reluctant to prescribe them.

The solution?

Treatment is more effective when medication is combined with psychotherapy.

Anxiety is well understood. There are many beneficial therapeutic techniques we can use to help you cope, some of which have been around for thousands of years – long before medications existed.

When we work together, I’ll help you foster an attitude of self-compassion rather than self-blame, have you face rather than avoid your anxiety, and help you put your anxious thoughts into perspective by asking questions that help you reframe your fears.

We’ll also use exercise and self-regulation skills, like deep breathing and meditation, as important components of treating your symptoms.

Tame the beast

Harness your inner power. Break the cycle and return anxiety to its proper place in your life.

Reach out today. Call me at (214) 927-8456 to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation.