In the fast-paced and demanding world of today, anxiety has become an increasingly prevalent diagnosis affecting individuals across diverse backgrounds. Whether triggered by societal pressures, personal relationships, or internal struggles, anxiety is a mental illness that can manifest in various forms that impact one’s overall health and well-being. At Hess Psychological Services, we aim to help you understand and manage your anxiety by offering psychoeducation, therapeutic interventions, and healthy coping strategies.
What Is Anxiety?
At its core, anxiety is an emotion that at a maladaptive level can cause feelings of panic, dread, worry, nervousness, and fear. These intense emotions may lead to physical responses such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, and changes in breathing, or changes in one’s thought patterns. Anxiety is a mental disorder that is more than the day-to-day worry many experience and can impair one’s life to a significant degree when these worries become hard to control, understand, or predict. As a result, anxiety disorders can affect your daily life and interfere with your work, sleep, and social functioning.
Common Causes of Anxiety Disorders
While the causes of anxiety are not fully understood, there are some risk factors that can contribute to the disorders. On top of that, the direct cause can depend on the type of anxiety disorder you have. Some of the most common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Biological
Some forms of anxiety can be tied to medical conditions. Anxiety symptoms can often be a sign of an underlying medical illness, including heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, COPD or asthma, or drug use. Imbalances in your neurotransmitters can also cause symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Psychological
Past traumatic events, past abuse, negative thought patterns, self-criticism, attachment style concerns, and avoidant behaviors can also bring on anxiety disorders as well.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors also play a big role in anxiety. From trauma to stressful events to exposure to violence, many parts of your day-to-day environment can lead to anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
When it comes to deciphering whether your feelings of anxiety are normal or if they may be related to an anxiety disorder, there are certain behaviors and symptoms to look out for. Anxiety symptoms can include:
- Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and being on edge.
- Feelings of impending danger, doom, or panic.
- Panic attacks
- Increased heart rate, sweating, shaking, or difficulty breathing.
- GI Issues or headaches.
- Trouble concentrating or impaired memory.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Tendency to avoid people, places, or things.
Modalities of Treatment for Anxiety
When it comes to effectively treating your anxiety, the first step is understanding the contributing factors to your unique needs. Our team is qualified in working with you to identify the etiology of your anxiety and developing the best treatment plan for you.
Self-Help Tips for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Looking for mental health support that you can do on your own or in combination with our services? There are plenty of steps you can take day-to-day to help with mental health disorders like anxiety. Practicing exercise regularly, relaxation and stress management techniques, deep breathing, and regular sleeping habits can all help relieve some of your anxiety symptoms.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are struggling with feelings of panic, stress, worry, intense fear, and excessive anxiety and find that they are impacting your daily life, it is time to get the help you deserve. At Hess Psychological Services, we are dedicated to helping our clients experiencing anxiety disorders restore harmony and peace to their lives. To schedule a consultation with founder Dr. Heather Hess or one of her team members, please fill out an online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anxiety
What is anxiety therapy?
Anxiety therapy involves strategies and techniques to manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and other therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs
How long does it typically take to see improvements?
The duration of therapy varies per individual, but many people start to notice improvements within a few weeks of regular sessions. However, significant and lasting changes often require more extended periods of therapy.
Can anxiety therapy help with panic attacks?
Yes, anxiety therapy is effective in managing panic attacks. Therapists can teach you techniques to control and prevent panic attacks and help you understand and modify the thoughts that contribute to them.
Is medication necessary for treating anxiety?
While therapy alone can be very effective, in some cases, medication might be recommended. Decisions about medication will be based on your specific symptoms and discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider.
How long does anxiety treatment typically last at Hess Psychology?
The duration of anxiety treatment varies depending on individual needs. At Hess Psychology, we typically see some improvements within 6-10 sessions and greater improvements within 12-16 sessions, but some clients may benefit from longer-term therapy. We tailor our approach to each clients specific situation and goals.
What types of anxiety disorders does Hess Psychology treat?
Hess Psychology treats a wide range of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our experienced therapists use evidence-based techniques to address each type of anxiety effectively.
Does Hess Psychology offer virtual anxiety therapy sessions?
Yes, Hess Psychology offers virtual therapy sessions for anxiety treatment. Our teletherapy options provide the same high-quality care as in-person sessions, allowing clients to receive support from the comfort of their own homes.
How does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help with anxiety at Hess Psychology?
At Hess Psychology, we use CBT to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. This evidence-based approach helps clients develop coping strategies, challenge irrational fears, and gradually face anxiety-provoking situations in a safe, supportive environment.
Can Hess Psychology help with anxiety-related sleep issues?
Yes, Hess Psychology addresses sleep issues related to anxiety. Our therapists can help clients develop healthy sleep habits, practice relaxation techniques, and manage anxiety-induced insomnia through cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and other evidence-based approaches.
What are the physical symptoms of anxiety?
Physical symptoms of anxiety can include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, muscle tension, nausea, and fatigue.
How can I manage anxiety attacks at home?
To manage anxiety attacks at home, try deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, grounding techniques, and staying hydrated.
Is anxiety hereditary?
While anxiety can run in families, its not solely determined by genetics. Environmental factors, life experiences, and brain chemistry also play significant roles in anxiety development.
Can exercise help reduce anxiety?
Yes, regular exercise can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms by releasing endorphins, improving mood, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep.
Whats the difference between normal worry and an anxiety disorder?
Normal worry is temporary and proportionate to the situation, while an anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily life and may require professional treatment.
What is the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
Normal anxiety is a response to stress or danger, while an anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily life.
What are the common symptoms of anxiety?
Symptoms may include nervousness, rapid heartbeat, trouble concentrating, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms like sweating or GI issues.
How is anxiety treated?
Treatment options include therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), medication, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques.
Can anxiety cause physical health problems?
Chronic anxiety can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, digestive issues, headaches, and weakened immune function. Additionally, some people experience somatic symptoms of anxiety, such as headaches or stomach upset.
When should I seek professional help for anxiety?
If anxiety is persistent, overwhelming, and affecting daily life, work, or relationships, consulting a mental health professional is recommended.
What types of anxiety disorders do you treat in Grand Rapids, Rockford, and Comstock Park?
We treat a range of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder for clients in Grand Rapids, Rockford, and Comstock Park.
How do I know if I need professional anxiety counseling in Grand Rapids or nearby areas?
If you’re experiencing persistent worry, difficulty relaxing, fatigue, sleep issues, or anxiety that interferes with daily life, professional counseling in Grand Rapids, Rockford, or Comstock Park can help you regain control and improve your quality of life.
What evidence-based therapies are offered for anxiety in the Grand Rapids area?
Our practice utilizes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and EMDR to help manage and reduce anxiety symptoms for clients in Grand Rapids, Rockford, and Comstock Park.
Can anxiety therapy help with physical symptoms like headaches or gastrointestinal issues?
Yes, anxiety therapy can address both the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, including headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disturbances, by teaching effective coping and relaxation strategies.
Do you offer online anxiety counseling for residents of Rockford and Comstock Park?
Yes, we provide both in-person and online anxiety counseling sessions, making it convenient for residents of Rockford, Comstock Park, and Grand Rapids to access professional support.
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Hess Psychological Services was founded during COVID when I witnessed an explosion of individuals needing help dealing with the stressors of life. We have since expanded and have a brick-and-mortar location in Comstock Park, Michigan. Our team of therapists is growing and I am honored to work alongside other clinicians with a similar passion for helping others.
