Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychological problems. They are also the most treatable.

 

Symptoms include:

• Excessive worry
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Trembling or shaking
• Hot flashes or chills
• Sweating
• Choking
• Nausea and abdominal distress
• Dizziness
• Feeling of detachment
• Fear of dying
• Fear of going crazy or out of control

 

In the case of panic attacks, you may also experience chest pains.

Recovery does not mean the complete elimination of anxiety.Healthy anxiety is a natural part of life with its changes, growth and excitement. Anxiety that is problematic is the anxiety that gets out of control, affects one’s lifestyle, and interferes with relationships and identity. It is this kind of anxiety that needs to be addressed.

Cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs) have made significant developments in the field, and many patients find it helpful. CBT is successful in symptom management.

Not all patients with anxiety disorders can be fully healed with applications of CBT principles (changing the thought in order to change the feeling).  Anxiety disorders often have strong physical symptoms and with many patients it is helpful to take the physiology into consideration. HHC psychotherapists also focus on helping patients to enhance tolerance of stressful feelings and to evaluate what one thinks and feels (how you feel about what you feel).  You cannot eliminate anxiety symptoms with effort. The goal is to change the relationship between you and your anxiety symptom, reducing distress and supporting psychological flexibility and to discern that feeling anxious is not the same as being in danger.