When Should I See An Anxiety Therapist?
Many people often wonder when is the right time to begin therapy for anxiety.
The truth is, it can vary from person to person and depends on how intensely someone feels anxious about their experiences.
How is anxiety holding you back or diminishing your ability to fulfil your responsibilities, whether that is at home, work, school or in relationships?
When someone is feeling anxious, it is all too easy to pull back from the activities and things you enjoy, or to withdraw from people who can support you. This can make you feel even more down and alone.
Anxiety can also limit sleep and can show up in physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches, a racing heart, sweating and shortness of breath.
You may need to seek help if you notice these patterns, and you cannot shift the anxiety on your own.
You Are Not Alone
In today's fast-paced world, it is now widely recognised that our mental wellbeing is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being and happiness.
Despite this increased awareness, many people still hesitate to seek therapy for their anxiety. They suffer in silence, believing they can overcome it alone, or wait until they have exhausted all other options of self help.
This approach can be both timely and costly and delaying therapy can prolong suffering even more and lead to a detrimental effect on one's health and quality of life.
There is a Chinese Proverb that asks “When is the best time to plant a tree?
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
So, if you have stumbled upon this article, then I would suggest the right time to see an anxiety therapist is now!
Recognising The Need For Therapy
It's currently estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, with anxiety being the most prevalent.
Despite this prevalence, societal stigma and misconceptions often prevent people from seeking the help they actually need, and this prolongs and exacerbates their anxiety.
They may initially attempt to cope with their struggles independently, resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or avoidance behaviours.
The Masking of Underlying Issues
Many individuals attempt to cope with stress, anxiety and emotional pain by engaging in behaviours that provide temporary relief but they fail to address the root cause of their distress.
These coping strategies may include:
- Excessive Drinking: Drinking a bottle of wine, or binge drinking, may seem like a way to unwind after a stressful day or week, however alcohol is known to worsen anxiety and can contribute to a cycle of dependency.
- Smoking or Vaping: Some individuals may turn to smoking or vaping as a means of managing stress, unaware that it only exacerbates their health issues in the long run.
- Emotional Eating: Someone struggling with low self-esteem or anxiety may seek solace in food, leading to weight gain and further increasing their emotional distress.
- Excessive Gaming or Gambling: Someone suffering with anxious thoughts may distract themselves by gaming or gambling as a way of blocking out how they are really feeling.
- Shopping Addictions: Someone may try and cheer themselves up through retail therapy as this may provide a temporary relief, however the anxious thoughts still remain
The Role of Therapy in Addressing Root Causes
Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore and address the underlying issues contributing to their distress.
A skilled therapist can help clients:
- Questions Beliefs: Our beliefs can be formed at a very young age, and can even be inherited from others. Understanding and questioning core beliefs can reveal where anxiety originally stems from.
- Identify Patterns and Behaviours: Through introspection and guided exploration, individuals can uncover patterns of thought and behaviour that contribute to their anxiety.
- Develop Coping Strategies: Therapists equip clients with practical tools and positive coping strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions and navigate life's challenges more effectively.
- Promote Self-Discovery: Therapy encourages self-awareness and self-acceptance, empowering individuals to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their needs.
- Facilitate Healing: By processing past traumas and unresolved emotions, therapy facilitates healing and fosters resilience in the face of adversity.
The Benefits of Seeking Professional Help
Choosing to consult with an specialised anxiety therapist is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous step towards prioritising one's mental health and well-being.
Here are some reasons to consider therapy:
Personalised Support:
Therapy offers personalised support tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, trauma or relationship anxiety, a therapist works collaboratively with clients to develop customised treatment plans that promote growth and healing.
Evidence-Based Techniques:
Therapists may use a variety of evidence-based techniques and modalities to address mental health concerns effectively.
From heart centred Emotional Change Therapy (ECT) to logical Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), clients will have access to a wide range of proven methods, each backed by scientific research.
Alongside these therapies, clients will also learn the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions, heart coherence and breathwork to alleviate anxiety in the moment.
Confidentiality and Trust:
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, providing clients with a safe space to express themselves openly and honestly without fear of judgment or repercussions.
The therapeutic relationship formed between client and therapist is built on trust, empathy and mutual respect.
Holistic Approach
Anxiety therapy takes a holistic approach to mental health, recognising the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Anxiety Therapists may also incorporate complementary approaches such as relaxation techniques and meditation to promote holistic well-being.
Our Commitment to Your Wellbeing
At “Better Your Life”, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy services to support your journey towards mental wellness. We are proud to be the number 1 Anxiety Specialist in the area and offer face to face and online therapy.
We stay at the forefront of therapeutic innovation, continually seeking out the latest techniques and modalities to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality of care. From anxiety relief to subconscious reprogramming, we harness the power of the mind-body connection to facilitate lasting change.
Our goal is to empower you to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life free from the constraints of mental ill health challenges.
Through personalised interventions and collaborative goal-setting, we support you in achieving sustainable growth and transformation.
Your mental wellbeing matters, and you don't have to face your challenges alone.
If You Need Further Support
If you need further support to overcome your anxiety and the accompanying symptoms, a trained Anxiety Specialist can prescribe a personalised plan to help you understand the underlying cause of your anxiety, as well as help develop healthy coping strategies that are focused around your individual needs.
Taking care of your mental wellbeing is an essential part of your overall well-being. Left unresolved, anxiety can spiral out of control and have a significant impact on relationships, work, school and family life.
So if you want to take the next steps to have a happier life where your fears no longer hold you back, click the link below and book a free no obligation consultation call.
Additional Resources
Read What Causes Anxiety?
Read What Are The Different Types of Anxiety?
Read Can Mindfulness Help with Anxiety
Watch How to Feel Less Anxious
Watch How To Reduce Anxiety Immediately
Watch Breathing Techniques for Anxiety
Download Circle of Control and Influence worksheet
Download Cognitive Distortions worksheet