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    Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

    October 25, 2023

    Also known as “social phobia,” social anxiety disorder causes someone to intensely fear normal social interactions. This is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking—someone with social anxiety disorder excessively worries about being judged during everyday situations such as making eye contact with someone or talking to a stranger. They may be reluctant […]

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    Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

    Also known as “social phobia,” social anxiety disorder causes someone to intensely fear normal social interactions. This is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking—someone with social anxiety disorder excessively worries about being judged during everyday situations such as making eye contact with someone or talking to a stranger. They may be reluctant to attend school, work, a date, or a party, and they also may feel anxious about eating in front of others, using public restrooms, or returning items to stores.

    Physical Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder

    In addition to feeling anxiety, embarrassment, fear, humiliation, or self-consciousness, someone with social anxiety disorder may experience:

    • Blushing
    • Difficulty catching their breath
    • Dizziness
    • Increased heart rate
    • Lightheadedness
    • Muscle tension
    • Nausea
    • Sweating
    • Trembling
    • Voice shakiness

    If someone with social anxiety disorder experiences physical signs like the ones listed above, they may also worry that others will notice that they appear anxious.

    How Is Social Anxiety Disorder Treated?

    Treatment for social anxiety disorder varies depending on factors such as symptom severity. With that said, many people with this type of anxiety benefit from attending counseling and taking medication such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), an anti-anxiety medication, or a beta blocker.

    The Provider to Choose for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

    If you’re worried that you have social anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, you can rely on us for treatment. We regularly assist patients with managing anxiety, and we can do the same for you. Contact us today to request an appointment.

    Filed Under: social anxiety

    Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    October 18, 2023

    Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their: Health Family Work Money What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder? […]

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    Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their:

    • Health
    • Family
    • Work
    • Money

    What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

    The hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is constant, uncontrollable worrying. Many people with this condition know that their concerns are unfounded but can’t stop worrying about them regardless, often to the point where the worries begin interfering with their relationships and daily routine. Some individuals report feeling anxious for no apparent reason, as if they sense that something bad is about to happen, but they can’t put their finger on what it is.

    If you have generalized anxiety disorder, you may also experience:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Lightheadedness
    • Hot flashes and sweating
    • Headaches
    • Muscle tension and aches
    • Trembling and twitching
    • Nausea and diarrhea
    • Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
    • Fatigue
    • Irritability
    • Restlessness 
    • Difficulty relaxing
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Being easily startled

    How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?

    There are many options for managing anxiety, and a trained provider can recommend the approach that’s best suited to your specific needs. For example, treatment for generalized anxiety disorder may involve:

    • Taking medication
    • Attending counseling sessions
    • Learning coping skills
    • Using relaxation techniques
    • Making certain lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking)

    Your Top Choice for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

    If you think you might have generalized anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

    Filed Under: anxiety

    Managing Stress: 5 Effective Strategies

    October 18, 2023

    Did you know that chronic stress can have serious consequences on your health? It’s true—stress can make it difficult to sleep, weaken your immune system, and lead to other problems like heart attacks, strokes, anxiety, and depression. Plus, stress can cause irritability, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating, thereby negatively impacting your work and personal […]

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    Managing Stress: 5 Effective Strategies

    Did you know that chronic stress can have serious consequences on your health? It’s true—stress can make it difficult to sleep, weaken your immune system, and lead to other problems like heart attacks, strokes, anxiety, and depression. Plus, stress can cause irritability, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating, thereby negatively impacting your work and personal relationships.

    If you’re feeling stressed, one of the best things you can do is speak to a therapist who can recommend stress relief techniques that are tailored to your specific circumstances. But in the meantime, we’ve compiled the following five strategies for stress management.

    1. Eat a Nutritious Diet

    It’s very common for stressed individuals to turn to comfort foods, which are typically high in fat and sugar. But it’s important to stick to a balanced diet, even in times of stress. Research shows that certain foods can impact stress levels—for example, lean proteins and herbal teas can help reduce stress, while refined carbohydrates and caffeine can make you feel more stressed.

    2. Exercise

    Stress often causes chronic fatigue, and if that’s the case for you, you may have a hard time summoning the motivation to work out. But it’s important that you find a way to incorporate some type of physical activity into your daily routine. Exercising can stimulate the body to produce endorphins and reduce its levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

    3. Establish Boundaries

    Do you often feel stressed because you’re being pulled in too many directions at once? Setting healthy boundaries may help. For example, at work, this may involve shutting down your computer at a certain time each day, speaking up when you have too much on your plate, and avoiding office gossip.

    4. Make Time to Relax

    When work, school, and family obligations become overwhelming, you may feel like you don’t have any time left over to focus on yourself, but it’s important to carve out time for self-care and relaxation. Think about what brings you peace—whether that’s going to the movies, getting a pedicure, or working on a jigsaw puzzle—and set aside time to do that on a regular basis.

    5. Meditate

    Research shows that focusing on what’s going on around you and letting go of any intrusive thoughts and feelings can greatly reduce stress levels. One of the best things about meditation is that it can be done almost anywhere, so you can employ this technique whenever you start to feel stressed throughout the day.

    Need Help Coping With Stress?

    If you’re looking to improve your stress management skills, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

    Filed Under: stress

    Understanding Panic Disorder

    October 11, 2023

    If you’ve had at least four panic attacks and you regularly worry that you’ll experience another one, you may have panic disorder. In some cases, this type of anxiety can make it difficult for people to leave their home, since they may worry about when and where their next panic attack will occur. What Does […]

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    Understanding Panic Disorder

    If you’ve had at least four panic attacks and you regularly worry that you’ll experience another one, you may have panic disorder. In some cases, this type of anxiety can make it difficult for people to leave their home, since they may worry about when and where their next panic attack will occur.

    What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?

    Panic attacks cause someone to feel an overwhelming sense of fear. During one of these attacks, you may experience:

    • Trembling and shaking
    • Numbness
    • Hot flashes or chills
    • Sweating
    • Lightheadedness and dizziness
    • A pounding heartbeat
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • A choking sensation
    • Nausea and stomach pain
    • Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
    • A sensation of being disconnected or unreal

    While some panic attacks subside within just a few minutes, others last for more than an hour. Depending on the frequency, duration, and severity of panic attacks, panic disorder can sometimes become disabling, preventing someone from holding a job and engaging in other regular activities.

    How Is Panic Disorder Treated?

    Treatment for panic disorder varies from one person to another, and a trained provider can recommend the approach that’s most appropriate for your specific needs. With that said, panic disorder treatment often involves:

    • Taking medication (e.g., anti-anxiety medication or antidepressant medication)
    • Attending counseling
    • Learning coping skills and relaxation techniques

    Offering Help With Anxiety Disorders

    Our team has extensive experience treating various types of anxiety, including panic disorder, so if you need assistance, contact us today. We’ll be glad to schedule a therapy session at a date and time of your choosing. We look forward to helping you take the first step toward managing your anxiety.

    Filed Under: panic attacks, panic disorder

    Understanding Agoraphobia

    October 4, 2023

    Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes someone to excessively worry about leaving an environment that they consider to be safe (in many cases, their home). Oftentimes, individuals with this type of anxiety are concerned that they won’t have help available to them when necessary, or that they won’t be able to escape a dangerous […]

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    Understanding Agoraphobia

    Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes someone to excessively worry about leaving an environment that they consider to be safe (in many cases, their home). Oftentimes, individuals with this type of anxiety are concerned that they won’t have help available to them when necessary, or that they won’t be able to escape a dangerous or embarrassing situation. Someone who has agoraphobia may fear:

    • Being in an enclosed space (e.g., an elevator or a movie theater)
    • Being in an open space (e.g., a bridge or a parking lot)
    • Standing in line
    • Using public transportation
    • Being in a crowd
    • Getting lost
    • Feeling dizzy
    • Fainting
    • Falling down
    • Not being able to access a bathroom when needed

    Individuals with agoraphobia often need friends and family members to accompany them to public places, which can make it difficult for them to work, run errands, and socialize. And in severe cases, agoraphobia can prevent someone from leaving their home entirely.

    How Is Agoraphobia Treated?

    Agoraphobia treatment varies from one person to another, and if a medical provider diagnoses you with this type of anxiety, they’ll recommend the approach that’s best suited to your needs. Many people with agoraphobia benefit from taking medication and attending counseling, where they can identify triggers and learn coping skills.

    Treating Agoraphobia & Other Anxiety Disorders

    Do you need help managing your anxiety? Contact us today. We have experience treating numerous types of anxiety—including agoraphobia—and we’ll be happy to tell you about our practice, answer your questions, and schedule your first therapy session.

    Filed Under: anxiety disorder

    Building Resilience in Difficult Times

    October 4, 2023

    With everything that we’ve gone through as a society in recent years—the COVID-19 pandemic, mass shootings, the possibility of a recession, and more—let alone what we’ve had to deal with in our personal lives, it can be hard to cope. But taking steps to adapt can greatly benefit our mental health and overall well-being. Below […]

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    Building Resilience in Difficult Times

    With everything that we’ve gone through as a society in recent years—the COVID-19 pandemic, mass shootings, the possibility of a recession, and more—let alone what we’ve had to deal with in our personal lives, it can be hard to cope. But taking steps to adapt can greatly benefit our mental health and overall well-being. Below are some tips on how to build resilience in difficult times.

    Focus on the Positives

    It’s human nature to concentrate on the negatives—after all, doing so helped our ancestors avoid danger and survive. But when you’re faced with difficult times, it’s important that you try to find the silver lining. For example, if you lose your job, focus on how it’s provided you with the opportunity to find an even better position.

    Accept What You Cannot Change

    Oftentimes, we find ourselves in difficult circumstances that are beyond our control. When that happens, it’s important that you accept reality and focus only on what you have the power to change. For instance, if a loved one receives a troubling diagnosis, rather than stressing about potential outcomes, you should focus on what you can do to make the treatment process easier for them. This might include driving your loved one to appointments, running errands for them, or offering a listening ear.

    Rely on Your Friends & Family

    If you tend to stick your head in the sand whenever times get tough, you’re not alone. But this habit can cause you to feel isolated, compounding any difficulties you’re already experiencing. So, make it a point to reach out to friends and family members. Even if you don’t discuss the issues you’re currently dealing with, getting to relax and spend time together—either in person or by phone—will likely leave you feeling better overall.

    Take the Next Step Toward Overcoming Adversity

    If you’re going through a difficult time in your life and would like to work on building your resilience, contact us today. We’ll be happy to schedule a therapy session at a time that’s convenient for you.

    Filed Under: resilience

    Understanding Common Anxiety Disorders

    September 27, 2023

    Anxiety is very common—in fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect 40 million U.S. adults every year. Yet many people don’t have a strong understanding of anxiety and may not realize that it can take many forms. Here are some of the most common types of anxiety: Generalized […]

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    Understanding Common Anxiety Disorders

    Anxiety is very common—in fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect 40 million U.S. adults every year. Yet many people don’t have a strong understanding of anxiety and may not realize that it can take many forms. Here are some of the most common types of anxiety:

    • Generalized anxiety disorder – Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively about everyday issues (for example, health, family, work, and money) on most days for at least six months.
    • Panic disorder – This condition causes people to experience recurrent panic attacks, which are often accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and sweating. Panic attacks may also cause someone to feel like they’re dying or fear that they’re going crazy.
    • Separation anxiety disorder – Separation anxiety disorder causes someone to fear being separated from a person that’s close to them. This condition is more common in children but may also affect teenagers and adults.
    • Social anxiety disorder – While it’s common for people to feel shy, individuals with social anxiety disorder experience intense fears about social interactions. For example, they may worry that they’ll embarrass themselves or that others will judge them.
    • Agoraphobia – People with agoraphobia fear leaving environments that they consider safe (for example, their home), to the point that it disrupts their normal routine. They may fear that they won’t be able to escape a situation or that help might not be available to them.

    Need Help Managing Anxiety?

    If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time of your choosing.

    Filed Under: anxiety

    Cultivating Mindfulness in Daily Life

    September 20, 2023

    Have you heard about the concept of mindfulness? It involves being aware of the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations that you’re experiencing at any given time (this is commonly referred to as “present moment awareness”). Practicing mindfulness offers numerous benefits, including: Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression Increased sense of well-being Enhanced cognitive abilities Slowed brain […]

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    Cultivating Mindfulness in Daily Life

    Have you heard about the concept of mindfulness? It involves being aware of the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations that you’re experiencing at any given time (this is commonly referred to as “present moment awareness”). Practicing mindfulness offers numerous benefits, including:

    • Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
    • Increased sense of well-being
    • Enhanced cognitive abilities
    • Slowed brain aging
    • Lowered blood pressure
    • Improved sleep
    • Pain management
    • Improved quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions

    Practicing Mindfulness Every Day

    Many people meditate by focusing on their breath—pay attention to how it feels as you inhale and exhale, and whenever you notice that your mind has wandered, acknowledge the distraction as a passing thought and then refocus your attention on your breathing. When you first begin practicing mindfulness, you may be able to do this for only a few minutes, but your sessions will likely get longer over time.

    You can incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily life by practicing present moment awareness when you’re:

    • Eating a meal
    • Taking a walk
    • Commuting to and from work
    • Coloring
    • Gardening
    • Showering
    • Lying in bed

    If you’re having trouble, you may want to consider downloading an app that will guide you through the meditation process. Or, set some alarms on your phone that will remind you to meditate at certain times throughout the day.

    Start Practicing Mindfulness

    If you’d like to know more about mindfulness techniques and the benefits of present-moment awareness, contact us today. We’ll be happy to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that works for you.

    Filed Under: mental health, mindfulness

    Coping With Grief & Loss

    September 15, 2023

    If you’ve recently lost someone or something, you may be going through the grieving process. Below, we explain what grief is and how long the grieving process can be expected to take. We also offer some tips on how to cope with loss. What Is Grief? The emotional pain that you feel after a loss […]

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    Coping With Grief & Loss

    If you’ve recently lost someone or something, you may be going through the grieving process. Below, we explain what grief is and how long the grieving process can be expected to take. We also offer some tips on how to cope with loss.

    What Is Grief?

    The emotional pain that you feel after a loss is known as “grief.” Someone who’s grieving may feel a combination of shock, disbelief, sadness, anger, fear, and guilt, which can make it difficult to eat, sleep, and engage in other routine activities. It’s common for people to lose or gain weight, become sick, and feel achy.

    Many people think of grief only in terms of the death of a loved one, but it can also occur when someone loses their:

    • Health (their own health or a loved one’s health)
    • Marriage, engagement, or dating relationship
    • Friendship
    • Job
    • Money
    • House or personal property
    • Dream
    • Sense of safety (this often occurs after someone experiences a trauma)

    Grief can be divided into numerous categories, including anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and disenfranchised grief.

    How Long Does the Grieving Process Take?

    There’s no easy answer to this question, as the grieving timeline varies from one person to another. Some individuals heal within weeks or months, while others continue grieving for years. Many people go through the five stages of grief—which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but it’s possible to heal without experiencing all (or any) of these stages.

    How to Cope With Loss

    Many people who are grieving a loss find it helpful to speak with a therapist. In addition to therapy, you may want to try:

    • Talking to your loved ones
    • Joining a bereavement support group or another type of support group
    • Writing in a journal
    • Turning to your faith (if you’re religious or spiritual)
    • Eating a nutritious diet
    • Exercising
    • Participating in your regular hobbies

    The Help You Need to Heal From Loss

    If you’re having a difficult time coping with loss, you should consider speaking to a therapist who specializes in grief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

    Filed Under: grief, loss

    Managing Work-Life Balance

    September 8, 2023

    Do you have trouble balancing work and your personal life? If so, you’re not alone. According to Mental Health America (MHA), almost 40% of U.S. adults who are employed full time reported working 50+ hours a week, and 18% work 60+ hours. Despite how common it is for people to work long hours, having a […]

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    Managing Work-Life Balance

    Do you have trouble balancing work and your personal life? If so, you’re not alone. According to Mental Health America (MHA), almost 40% of U.S. adults who are employed full time reported working 50+ hours a week, and 18% work 60+ hours.

    Despite how common it is for people to work long hours, having a healthy work-life balance is critical. Working too many hours—especially if it bleeds into your evenings, weekends, and holidays—can cause you to:

    • Feel stressed and burnt out
    • Strain your relationships with your loved ones
    • Neglect your hobbies and self-care activities

    All of this, in turn, can negatively impact your physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

    How to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance

    Creating a healthy work-life balance can sometimes be difficult, but it’s certainly doable. Here are some steps you can take to balance work and your personal life:

    • Manage your time. There are various time management techniques—such as Pomodoro timers—that can help increase your productivity, meaning that you’ll get more work accomplished in a shorter amount of time.
    • Multitask. If your job allows it, try to get some work done while simultaneously engaging in a self-care activity. For example, you could listen to a seminar while you go on a walk or do some laundry.
    • Set boundaries. Decide what times you’ll be starting and stopping work each day and stick to that schedule as best you can. Also be sure to set aside time for vacation days even if you’re not planning an out-of-town trip.

    Get Help Balancing Your Work & Personal Life

    Work-life balance plays a crucial role in our overall health and happiness, so if you’re struggling in this area, we invite you to contact us and schedule a therapy session. We look forward to helping you take the steps needed to balance work and your personal life.

    Filed Under: work-life balance

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