Overcome Anxiety: Mental Health Service in Morrisville, NC

Anxiety is a common and complex emotion that everyone experiences at some point. It's a natural response to stress. These thoughts and feelings are not uncommon but when they become constant and overwhelming, they can disrupt daily life.

Many people with anxiety describe feelings like:

"I'm always worrying, even about small things."

"I can’t relax. I suffer from headaches, and I’ve lost my appetite."

"I feel panicky, with a racing heart and uncontrollable thoughts."

"At work, I’m so overwhelmed I fear I might lose my job."

You Are Not Alone

If you're experiencing these symptoms, know that you're not alone. Anxiety is extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed about. It's a highly treatable condition, and acknowledging it is the first step towards healing.

Anxiety Statistics

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults aged 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women than in men. Women are twice as likely to be affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and specific phobias.

Despite being highly treatable, only about 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. Many people with anxiety disorders don't seek or receive appropriate treatment due to a lack of resources, stigma, or misunderstanding about the treatability of their condition.

Our Approach to Anxiety Therapy

At Morrisville Counseling and Consulting, our approach to treating anxiety is rooted in compassion and personalization. We understand that each individual's experience with anxiety is unique, and therefore, our treatments are tailored to meet those specific needs.We are committed to providing a supportive, understanding, and effective therapeutic environment. Our goal is not just to treat symptoms, but to empower our clients with the tools and knowledge they need for a long-term recovery from anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety

CBT is a cornerstone of our treatment approach. It's an evidence-based therapy that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs. Through CBT, clients learn to replace these thoughts with more realistic and positive ones, thereby reducing the symptoms of anxiety.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is another effective method for treating anxiety. This therapy helps individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty about them. It emphasizes committing to actions that align with personal values, thereby increasing psychological flexibility.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness practices are integral to managing anxiety. MBSR techniques teach clients to focus on the present moment and become more aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This increased mindfulness can reduce the intensity of anxiety symptoms.

Exposure Therapy

Particularly effective for phobias and PTSD, exposure therapy involves gradually and systematically exposing clients to the things they fear in a controlled environment. Over time, this can reduce the fear response.

Medication Management

While we focus primarily on therapy, we also recognize that in some cases, medication can be an essential part of anxiety treatment. We work closely with healthcare providers to manage any medications that might be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Family or Couples Therapy

Anxiety doesn't only affect the individual; it can impact relationships as well. We offer family or couples therapy to address these dynamics, helping loved ones understand the condition and how they can support each other.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

Understanding these disorders in detail is crucial for effective treatment and management. At Morrisville Counseling and Consulting, we are equipped to address the specific needs associated with each of these anxiety disorders, helping our clients to lead more fulfilling lives.

- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life, including work, health, relationships, holidays, or finances. The worry is often disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared event. Individuals may find it difficult to control their worry and suffer from physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that trigger intensely distressing feelings. To alleviate this distress, individuals engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions), such as hand-washing, checking, counting, or praying. These compulsions are often performed in a ritualistic manner, but they provide only temporary relief from anxiety.

- Panic Disorder

This disorder is marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks – sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. During a panic attack, individuals might experience heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, a feeling of impending doom, or fear of losing control. People with panic disorder often worry about the implications or consequences of the panic attacks and may change their behavior to avoid having them.

- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault. Symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative changes in thoughts and mood associated with the traumatic event, and hyperarousal (being easily startled, feeling tense).

- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

- Illness Anxiety Disorder (formerly known as Hypochondria)

Individuals with this disorder are overly concerned about having a serious, undiagnosed medical illness. They misinterpret normal body sensations or minor symptoms as a sign of serious disease. Their preoccupation with health persists despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance. This worry often leads to frequent doctor visits and unnecessary medical tests, and can cause significant distress and impairment in daily life.

How Does Anxiety Therapy Treatment Help?

Anxiety therapy treatment is a powerful tool in managing and overcoming anxiety. It offers a multifaceted approach to not just alleviate symptoms, but also to address the underlying causes of anxiety. Here's how therapy can help:

01.

Understanding and Managing Symptoms

Therapy helps you understand the symptoms of anxiety, recognizing triggers and patterns in your behavior. This awareness is crucial in managing and reducing the frequency and intensity of anxiety episodes.

02.

Changing Negative Thought Patterns

By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns through therapy you can reduce the distress they cause and improve your overall mood and outlook.

03.

Developing Coping Strategies

Therapy equips you with practical tools and strategies to cope with anxiety. Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices are effective in managing stress and reducing anxiety in real-time.

04.

Improving Emotional Regulation

Therapy helps in understanding and regulating emotions. Learning how to process emotions healthily can decrease the intensity of anxiety and help you respond to situations more effectively.

05.

Resolving Underlying Issues

Often, anxiety has deeper roots such as past trauma, unresolved conflicts, or learned behaviors. Therapy provides a safe space to explore and resolve these issues, leading to long-term improvement in anxiety symptoms.

What to Expect in an Anxiety Therapy Session

In anxiety treatment sessions, particularly those involving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both the therapist and client engage in a series of focused actions. Initially, the therapist helps the client identify specific triggers and patterns of anxiety through guided discussion.

Using the principles of CBT, the therapist then works with the client to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns, replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. This often involves practical exercises, both during sessions and as homework.

Additionally, the therapist teaches the client various coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices. Throughout the process, the client is encouraged to actively participate in exploring and addressing the root causes of their anxiety, with the therapist providing support and guidance. Regular review sessions are conducted to assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Take the First Step to Overcoming Anxiety

You don't have to face anxiety alone. Reach out to Morrisville Counseling and Consulting PLLC today. Let us be your partner in your journey towards a more peaceful life, free from the constant stress and worry of anxiety.

We are conveniently located in Morrisville, NC to serve residents of Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Durham. Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Services and Anxiety Therapy

What is anxiety?
- Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder. It's characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.

What are the common symptoms of anxiety?
- Symptoms include excessive worrying, feeling agitated, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, tense muscles, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, and avoiding social situations.

What causes anxiety?
- The exact cause is not fully understood. Contributing factors include genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Stressful or traumatic events can also trigger anxiety disorders.

What other therapies are used to treat anxiety?
- Besides CBT, other therapies include Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychoanalytic therapy.

Can medication help with anxiety?
- Yes, medication can be used to help control some of the physical and mental symptoms. Common types include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers. However, medication is often most effective when combined with therapy.

How long does therapy for anxiety typically last?
- The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual and the severity of the anxiety. CBT, for example, is typically a short-term treatment, often lasting 12 to 20 sessions.

Are there self-help strategies for managing anxiety?
- Yes, strategies include practicing stress management techniques, maintaining a regular exercise routine, keeping a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Is it possible to fully recover from anxiety?
- Many people successfully manage their anxiety through therapy and self-help strategies and can lead fulfilling lives. While some may not 'fully recover', they can significantly reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Can anxiety return after treatment?
- Anxiety symptoms can recur, especially during stressful periods. Continued practice of coping strategies learned in therapy can help manage these recurrences.

How can I support someone with anxiety?
- Listen to them without judgment, encourage them to seek professional help if necessary, be patient, learn about anxiety, and avoid enabling their fears or anxieties.

When should someone seek help for anxiety?
- One should seek help if anxiety becomes overwhelming, difficult to control, or starts to affect daily life, including work, relationships, or other activities.