Most people feel nervous every now and then. Who doesn’t feel on edge during stressful situations, such as a job interview or navigating a move? While feeling anxious from time to time is “normal”, feeling apprehensive or fearful throughout the day, most days may not be healthy. If you are feeling misunderstood and like you need to tell yourself to “stop worrying” the majority of the time you may be experiencing more than your average day to day worry.

Anxiety is an important function in the body, it is a “fight or flight” response to potential danger. It can be expected to feel anxious sometimes, especially in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure society where there is plenty to get done and a lot to worry about. Lower levels of anxiety can actually help you to be more alert and focused, allowing you to distinguish what is safe from that which is dangerous.

However, it can be frustrating and isolating to go through life consumed with anxiety. Anxiety is detrimental when it becomes overwhelming enough to prevent you from taking necessary action or prompts you to do what is counterproductive. Anxiety can quickly become a disorder that can leave you feeling like a prisoner.

Anxiety: Knowing the Facts

In the U.S., anxiety disorders are the most common psychological disorder, affecting 40 million (18%) of the adult population aged 18 and above. This figure does not include the high number of older adults with any of the five types of anxiety disorders: panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Anxiety disorders are caused by a complex set of risk factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry, individual personality, and significant life events. Although the conditions can be triggered by these factors, anyone can have anxiety. Women are twice as likely to develop anxiety as men. Adults with anxiety disorders are three to five times more likely to seek treatment and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric conditions than other people. They may also experience other psychological health concerns, such as depression and alcohol or substance abuse. Any of the five anxiety disorders can cause overwhelming and persistent fear that interferes with daily functioning.

Signs You May Benefit from Professional Help

There is no doubt that anxiety can take a toll on your mind and body. These symptoms can also exacerbate existing medical conditions. If you experience the following warning signs, it may be time to seek professional counseling:

• When your physical health is adversely affected. Some of the symptoms include migraine, dizziness, stomachaches, chest pains, fatigue, asthma, and heart disease.

• When your performance at work suffers. Anxiety can double the pressure at work so that you find it difficult to perform or concentrate on what used to be routine tasks; you may be absent or come in late more often.

• When your relationships are strained. Anxiety can manifest as constant worry and excessive obsession, which may be interpreted as possessiveness or jealousy.

• When you use alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms. Some people with high levels of anxiety may turn to substance abuse in an effort to feel better. While temporary relief may be found, this is a life-threatening option that can further escalate your symptoms.

• When you no longer find pleasure in life. Anxiety can suck the fun out of everyday life so that you lose interest in things and feel trapped, alone, and afraid.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable with the right professional care. The vast majority of adults with anxiety benefit from individual psychotherapy or combining psychotherapy with medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be incredibly effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Getting Back on Track with Anxiety Treatment

The symptoms of anxiety disorders, whether you’ve been experiencing them for years or just recently, can become a major concern. It can be distressing to feel like you can do nothing to change. Don’t give up on regaining control of your life. Anxiety does not have to get in the way of getting the help you need.

At Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC, we believe there is always hope, just as there are always options. The highly trained counselors independently contracted with CCS are ready to help you with your anxiety symptoms. You’ll be matched with the right therapist who will work with you to address your needs. As with other disorders, the key to treatment and recovery from anxiety is to intervene early.

There may be no such thing as a worry-free life, but you can work toward freeing yourself from intense, frequent, and unwanted anxiety. After you call Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC, to schedule an appointment, you can look forward to recovery. Call today to schedule an appointment.