Anxiety is a common emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Over the last year, anxiety had increased by 20 percent, impacting millions of Americans. It can be caused by many things like work, school, or personal relationships. Oftentimes, people can work through the anxiety, but for some people, anxiety can become so overwhelming that it interferes with their daily lives. If you find that symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or muscle tension are interfering with your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder. The good news is that anxiety is very treatable, but unfortunately only 36.9 percent of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment.
At AMR we utilize Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as an effective treatment for anxiety. CBT typically begins to work within 10-12 sessions and when focusing on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. CBT is an active, collaborative process between you and your therapist. You will work together to identify and understand the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. Once you are aware of these patterns, you and your therapist will work together to find new ways of thinking and behaving that will reduce your anxiety. CBT utilizes the following concepts to help people with anxiety:
Identifying and changing negative thinking patterns: People with anxiety often have negative thoughts about themselves, the world, and the future. These negative thoughts can contribute to anxiety by making the person believe that they are in danger, that something bad is going to happen, or that they are not capable of dealing with a situation. CBT can help people identify their negative thinking patterns and learn how to replace them with more realistic and positive thoughts.
Learning how to relax: People with anxiety often have high levels of stress and tension in their bodies. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce these physical symptoms of anxiety, such as heart palpitations, sweating, and trembling. Developing a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle includes maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. People with anxiety often have difficulty taking care of themselves and may need help developing healthy habits. Building a support network: People with anxiety often benefit from talking to others who understand what they are going through.
CBT can help people build a support network of family, friends, or professionals who can offer helpful advice and understanding. If you are struggling with anxiety, please reach out for help. You don’t have to suffer silently. CBT is an evidence-based treatment that can help you manage your anxiety and lead a happier, healthier life.
For more information on CBT Therapy with AMR.
