Talking About Counseling For Children And Teens

Anxiety is a biological response to a perceived threat. While some anxiety is natural, this response can happen even when you aren't in danger. Your cortisol levels can spike and you are filled with adrenaline, leaving you on your guard all the time. You may function better with a little anxiety to help you meet a deadline at work, but when anxiety takes over your life, it can be difficult to cope. The best time to seek help from a therapist is different for everyone. If you are already wondering if you should see a therapist for your anxiety, the answer is probably yes so that you can learn some coping skills to better manage.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Anxiety

One of the types of therapy used for individuals with anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. This type of therapy breaks down your thoughts, taking specific situations step by step in order to teach you more productive thoughts. CBT takes time, and it's a process that can feel like it is going too slow. The goal is to change negative thought patterns so that you have a more reasonable reaction to events in your life. Instead of thinking, "I will never be able to do this," a person undergoing CBT might state, "This is hard but I will get through this."

Therapy Will Help You Identify Stressors

You may have a very stressful life, and this is why your anxiety is manifesting so strongly. When you consult a therapist, you will identify the real stressors in your life. A therapist will help you better manage what you are trying to deal with while helping you rule out those perceived threats that simply aren't there. No matter how chaotic your life is, a therapist can help reduce anxiety levels.

Learn Coping Skills

When anxiety hits, it can be impossible to think about coping skills. These really come to play before the panic attacks hit, but coping strategies can be used at any time to help reduce your anxious response. Deep breathing helps to physically calm down your body, while meditation can improve the racing thoughts that are going through your mind. Anxiety therapy gives you the guidance to learn coping strategies that work for you.

If you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed, a therapist can help you feel back under control. You will be able to learn specific strategies to reduce your anxious response. Therapy can make a big difference when you are struggling with anxiety.