by Alena Gerst, LCSW, RYT
Mental health providers are as unique as any human or animal. But one thing most of us can agree on? The importance of de-stigmatizing mental illness so more people can get the support they need.
And we have come a LONG way!
But there’s a dark downside to this de-stigmatization, particularly of anxiety. We hear and use the term “anxiety” or anxiety therapy so much, that in some ways, the common usage results in a lack of understanding about how agonizing and even debilitating anxiety can be.
It’s true, anxiety is a common experience. It can be situational or genetic. It can affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Anxiety does not have a preference of age or gender identity. It does not care how much money you have or how much professional success you enjoy.
And anxiety symptoms are just as varied as the anxiety therapists who treat them.
It can be a simple as feelings of general discomfort or unease, rumination about a specific situation, apprehension about what is to come. And for some people, anxiety symptoms can be devastating. It can hamper the ability to function, to work effectively, to socialize. Anxiety will take as much of you as it can get. Without you even fully understanding what’s going on, it can rob you of your ability to enjoy your life.
So when we talk about anxiety, as common an occurrence as it is, it’s important to keep in mind just how challenging it can be, and the impact it can have.
The good news is there are anxiety treatments, and ways to manage your anxiety, so you can regain a sense of well-being.
Here are 5 effective strategies to help with anxiety:
Mindfulness
We also hear this term tossed around frequently, but what does it really mean? Mindfulness is the act of being fully present and engaged. Distractions may come and go, but the practice of bringing your awareness back to one thing is at the core of mindfulness. Activities such as breathing exercises, focusing on one object, or just paying attention to your surroundings are good ways to “get out of your head” and into the moment, alleviating your anxiety thought loops. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but getting into the habit of checking in mindfully can help promote a sense of calm amid the storm of anxiety.
Regular exercise
Exercise releases chemicals in your body that promote feelings of well-being, reduce tension, and promote a more positive outlook on life. Whether you exercise indoors, in a class, with video instruction, or outside, finding some way to move your body regularly will help you manage your anxiety over the long term.
Sleep
Sleep can be elusive for people with anxiety. The bitter irony is that the less you sleep, the more anxious you get, leading to a vicious cycle of increasing exhaustion. If you have trouble sleeping, think about how you spend your day from the moment you wake up to promote the following night’s sleep. How are you feeding and moving your body? How are you preparing for bed from dinner time onward?
Examine your behaviors carefully to see where you can intervene to promote winding down at night, and give yourself the best possible chance to get adequate sleep.
Self-Care
Here’s another “buzzword” we hear often, but is no less meaningful in anxiety treatment. Consider your physical health, emotional health, and financial health too. What are some small ways you can improve each of these? Whether it’s a small adjustment to your finances, a little more time at the gym or outside in nature, or a simple check-in with a friend, taking better care of yourself does not have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money.
What it takes is conscious attention. Self-care doesn’t just “happen.” It has to be a decision to do for yourself. And then do something else. And then something else. Until caring for yourself becomes more of a habit. You cannot keep putting yourself last every day and expect to not have anxiety. It’s that simple.
Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety therapy is a regularly scheduled time for you to talk about your struggles without fear or judgment. Your anxiety therapist will encourage you to explore your core fears and look for patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are perpetuating your anxiety.
Anxiety therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on your challenges and preferences. Finding the right anxiety therapist for you may take some time, but don’t give up. If you meet with a therapist who does not seem like the right fit, don’t be afraid to ask them to help you find someone in their network who may better understand your needs.
Remember, managing anxiety is a process. It takes time and intention. It can sometimes feel like hard work, but when you experience alleviated symptoms, the rewards of anxiety therapy are immeasurable. Be patient, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Are You Ready to Start Anxiety Therapy in NYC?
Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge in the United States. If you live in a big city and are struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone, and professional support is available. At Inside Psychotherapy we have a skilled team of therapists that are ready to help you break the cycle of anxiety. Follow the steps below to get started!
- Learn more about our skilled team of therapists here.
- Fill out our convenient online contact form.
- Begin the journey to a life free from anxiety!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Inside Psychotherapy, NYC.
In addition to Anxiety Therapy, we offer a wide variety of therapy services designed to meet you where you are in your life. We also offer services both online and in person. We also utilize several different treatment modalities including CBT, Eclectic Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Our services include therapy for:
