Anxiety

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Although anxiety includes worry - an emotional symptom - it also includes physiological and cognitive symptoms. For example, before giving a presentation to an unfamiliar audience, a person might continually ask themselves various hypothetical "what if's". They may experience a range of bodily sensations such as increased heart rate, sweating, shallow breathing, and muscle tension. Additionally, their mind may go blank, despite having diligently prepared their presentation in advance. 

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows,
but only empties today of its strength"

​- Charles Spurgeon

Anxiety is not always bad, however; sometimes it is adaptive. Low to moderate levels of anxiety can actually help us accomplish difficult tasks by preparing our body and mind for action. Although, when anxiety rises out of proportion to the context, persists in the absence of the stressor, or begins to interfere with our daily functioning, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are relatively common: the National Institutes of Mental Health estimates that 19% of Americans 18 years or older suffered from an anxiety disorder in the past year, and that 31% of Americans will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Importantly, these numbers reflect those whose anxiety symptoms qualify as a disorder; many more people suffer subclinical anxiety that does not qualify as a disorder, but whose lives are still negatively impacted.

Regardless of where on the diagnostic spectrum your anxiety levels are, SALT is here to help. Through a variety of therapeutic techniques, our skilled clinicians can help you identify strategies that work for you, and that address the emotional, physiological, and cognitive components of anxiety. Anxiety does not have to accompany you throughout your life; it should be there when you need it and under your terms. Reach out to one of our therapists today and take the first step to regaining control over your anxiety.

SALT Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc
(323) 999 - 4MFT
4401 Atlantic Ave, Suite 420, Long Beach, CA 90807
[email protected]