Anxiety and Depression

What are anxiety and depression?

Think about the time you were most nervous. Now imagine that feeling hanging around for two weeks or more. That’s what we generally call anxiety.

Now, think about the time you were most sad and imagine that feeling lasting for an extended time; that’s depression.

When we are nervous or sad like that, we tend to do things we don’t usually do. We avoid responsibilities, get angry, isolate ourselves, act compulsively, and eat or sleep too much or too little.

How common is it to struggle with these issues?

Anxiety disorders affect approximately one in five adults in the U.S. Although the condition is treatable, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that only one in three people with anxiety disorders seek professional help.

Meanwhile, depression affects about 17 million people in the U.S., and while more people seek professional treatment than for anxiety, it’s still barely half of all those suffering.

You don’t get to choose whether or not you’ll experience anxiety or depression, but you can decide what to do about it.

Do I need to get professional treatment for my anxiety or depression?

Yes. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety disorder or depression, you should see a professional therapist.

These conditions can strike anyone of any age and may cause physical symptoms like chest tightening, heart palpitations, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

In more severe cases, internal feelings of overwhelming fear, helplessness, hopelessness, and even thoughts of suicide can occur. These symptoms can worsen and become increasingly dangerous over time if left untreated.

What should I expect during therapy for anxiety or depression?

Your therapy will be customized to fit your personal needs. You’ll be encouraged to avoid isolation and communicate feelings in a safe and trusting environment.

The goal of therapy is to help you learn to regain and maintain control of your life in a constructive and fulfilling way. You’ll learn to identify the thoughts that give rise to anxiety and depression and examine them critically instead of believing them as undisputed truth.

As you build a blueprint of the person you want to be, you’ll know what actions to take without being at the mercy of your thoughts or feelings.

Let’s work together!

Once you’ve finished therapy, you will have tools to help you separate yourself from your thoughts and feelings and decide how you want to show up in this world.

This focus will keep you being the person you want to be and allow you to recognize when you’re getting off track.

If that happens, no problem! Just come in for a booster session to get you back on the right path.