Counselling for Anxiety

If you suffer from anxiety, you are in good company! Millions of people experience anxiety on a daily basis. Some anxiety is useful when it moves us to act. For example, when there is a tight deadline at work, or when a school assignment needs to be handed in.

Additionally, small and manageable amounts of anxiety can help us to be better prepared. Here’s another example. Let’s say you are visiting a city for the first time. Naturally, you would not know how to get to a particular point of interest.

So a little preparation ahead of time is helpful. Perhaps by searching for directions online, or asking someone who has been there before, can usually alleviate some of your anxiety.

Counselling for anxiety in Coquitlam Counselling for anxiety in Maple Ridge

However, for some of us, fears and worries are our constant companions. Sometimes worrying occurs and affects our daily tasks and activities. Some of us fear the end of the world, others that disaster or accident might befall them at any time.

Furthermore, there are some of us who experience specific phobias. Some fear being in public places or meeting new people. Some of us fear being on our own, being in tight spaces with others, or being in the dark. Additionally, many others are fearful of heights, spiders, needles, and the sight of blood, to name a few.

Signs of Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and tightness around the temples and throat. Others feel cold, headaches or stomach aches.

Additionally, some of us are not able to keep calm or still, and find ourselves constantly tapping our feet. Others twirl their hair or play obsessively with a pen. Furthermore, difficulty sleeping soundly through the night is a sign of anxiety, as are nightmares, and a lack of appetite or overeating.

As mentioned earlier, some anxiety is useful. However, anxiety becomes problematic when it threatens to take over our lives. Those of us who suffer from Anxiety Disorders experience excessive and irrational fears and worries. These can become overwhelming and debilitating. For many of us, these fears and worries interfere with regular functioning such that our significant relationships and work are affected. If left untreated, chronic anxiety can lead to depression.

Counselling for Anxiety

Counselling for anxiety can be very helpful for those of us who suffer. Therapy treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are well documented in their effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety. There are many other types of therapies that are helpful, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, to name a few. Experienced and qualified counsellors, such as those at Innova Therapy, will share useful and effective tips and strategies that will help you manage anxiety.

According to the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Anxiety Disorders affect 12% of Canadians.