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Signs of Anxiety

Nancy MacGregor MA, ATR-BC, LPC, ACS, Clinical Director

Anxiety is both a blessing and a curse. In the past, our ancestors relied on anxiety, otherwise known as the fight-or-flight response, to survive. We needed to pay attention to both internal and external events to ensure our safety as a species. Today, however, our fight-or-flight response has gotten out of hand. Over 40 million Americans have an anxiety disorder. If your anxiety has gotten out of control and started taking over your life, and you’re wondering if there is a therapist near you in Washington Township, NJ as well as greater South Jersey, Harmony Bay is a great place to start your search and your path to a worry-free life.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ANXIETY?

There are a variety of both visible and hidden signs of anxiety. One of the secret signs of anxiety, for example, is that you rely on “safety behaviors.” For instance, you won’t drive on the highway because you are afraid of other drivers on the road. Another example is that you’re afraid to leave your house for fear that something bad will happen, or, once you have left, that you’ve left the oven on. Any of these seemingly minor issues can develop into a full-fledged anxiety disorder, characterized by panic attacks or an impending sense of doom.

Another example of a hidden sign of anxiety is that you refuse to offer your opinions, desires, or concerns. You’re afraid that doing so will result in a disagreeable encounter.

More obvious signs of anxiety include struggling with physical symptoms of anxiety. These may include:

  • Shaking
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hot and cold flashes
  • Smothering sensations
  • Nausea
  • Feelings of impending doom
  • Fainting
  • Insomnia

The bottom line is that if you find that you can’t stop worrying, or worrying affects your everyday life, you may have an anxiety disorder. If this is the case, it never hurts to seek a consultation with a therapist.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M EXHIBITING SIGNS OF ANXIETY?

If you show signs of anxiety, as with any other physical illness, you’ll want to see a psychiatrist for help in treating your mental health. At Harmony Bay, we offer therapy programs and other psychiatric care options to help you overcome your anxiety. For example, we offer:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy: During cognitive-behavioral therapy, you will work with a therapist to identify negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Once you’ve done that, you can work on creating coping mechanisms and positive behavior patterns.
  • Art therapy: Many people find that engaging in an artistic endeavor can help you overcome your stresses and anxieties. It enables you to connect to your emotions and overcome them.
  • Yoga therapy: During yoga therapy, a counselor will teach you to focus on your movements, and let go of the negative emotions that surround you. Additionally, yoga helps you stay fit and practice mindfulness.

Your anxiety doesn’t have to control you. Working with a therapist or psychiatrist can allow you to overcome your fears and worries. Then, you can begin a new chapter of your life, using the strategies you learn here. The caring and compassionate therapists at Harmony Bay are ready to help.

OTHER THERAPY OPTIONS AT HARMONY BAY

At Harmony Bay, we know people struggle with much more than the signs of anxiety. Perhaps you’ve been using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. Therefore, we offer a variety of therapeutic options, including:

To learn more about our therapies, you can call [Direct]. When you do so, you get the benefits of all of our therapy programs. Together, we can help you overcome your signs of anxiety, and you can be the person you have always wanted to be.

Treatment with Harmony Bay

Harmony Bay is an outpatient behavioral health service that offers primary mental health treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. Our mission is to make mental health care convenient and affordable while providing an unmatched experience to our clients. contact us today by calling 855.765.6399.