Reduce anxiety and feel empowered
Overcome Anxiety from home with compassionate virtual therapy
Everyone deserves to find peace of mind.
Experiencing anxiety is an aspect of the human condition, common to adults and children alike. It's normal and know that help is available. Amy Kayda Therapy takes pride in offering virtual therapy services to all ages, providing the tools to navigate anxiety and instill a sense of calm and peace.
what is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause. These disorders can pervasively impact an individual's daily life, leading to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, rapid breathing, or feelings of fatigue. It can affect one's personal relationships, job performance, and overall quality of life. The good news is that recovery is absolutely possible. With the right treatment, which may include therapy, medication, and self-care strategies, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety and lead fulfilling lives.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Persistent and excessive worry.
Feeling restless or on edge.
Easily fatigued.
Difficulty concentrating or finding that the mind goes blank.
Irritability.
Muscle tension.
Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep.
Panic attacks, characterized by sudden and intense feelings of terror, fear, or apprehension, without the presence of actual danger.
Avoidance of social situations for fear of being embarrassed or humiliated.
Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors.
Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking.
Heart palpitations or a racing heart.
Feelings of impending doom or danger.
What does therapy and treatment for anxiety look like?
Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a highly effective tool for managing anxiety. It works by helping individuals identify and understand the irrational thoughts and behaviors that lead to their anxiety. CBT teaches individuals how to challenge these irrational thoughts, change their thought patterns and subsequently alter their responses to anxiety-provoking situations.
Therapy often includes techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation training to help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Furthermore, it can equip individuals with coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills to navigate stressful situations more effectively. A key aspect of therapy is its focus on self-empowerment, enabling individuals to regain control over their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
how to help your child struggling with anxiety
Children struggling with anxiety may display a variety of symptoms that can manifest physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Physically, children may complain of unexplained aches and pains, have trouble sleeping, or experience frequent stomachaches or headaches. Emotionally, they may be excessively worried or fearful, often imagining the worst-case scenario, and may also be unusually clingy, tearful, or withdrawn. Behaviorally, children with anxiety may exhibit avoidance patterns, refusing to go to school or participate in activities they once enjoyed, and may also demonstrate tantrums or meltdowns when faced with anxiety-inducing situations. Notably, it's important to remember that every child is unique, and symptoms can vary widely. If anxiety is suspected, it's crucial to consult with a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Anxiety in those struggling with eating disorders
Anxiety can pose a profound struggle for those grappling with eating disorders, often creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates both conditions. Individuals with eating disorders frequently experience heightened anxiety around food, body image, and weight, which can contribute to the development of maladaptive eating behaviors such as extreme dieting, binge eating, or purging. These behaviors, while intended to mitigate feelings of anxiety, often lead to increased anxiety over time, further entrenching the cycle of disordered eating. Moreover, the physical consequences of eating disorders, including malnutrition and its effects on the brain, can intensify anxiety symptoms. It's essential that treatment for individuals with co-existing anxiety and eating disorders address both conditions concurrently to disrupt this cycle and promote recovery.
Get in touch.
Struggling with anxiety? Begin your journey towards peace. Book a free 15 minute consultation at Amy Kayda Therapy today.