anxiety
Anxiety is common. In fact, most people feel anxious occasionally. Some evidence suggests that over 30% of adults and adolescents in America have experienced moderate to severe anxiety in their lifetime. Anxiety usually involves uncomfortable experiences of physical arousal and worry. In most cases, these experiences are temporary. Some people with heightened anxiety find their symptoms may persist or worsen over time, negatively impairing activities of daily living (work, school, relationships). Some of the most common types of anxiety include phobias or fears, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and panic.
Fortunately, anxiety is highly treatable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of treatment for anxiety that is regarded as a best standard of psychological treatment we currently have available to treat anxiety and other mental health problems. CBT was the first form of psychotherapy to undergo the most rigorous scientific testing and has garnered clear research support worldwide as a first-line evidence-based treatment for anxiety. Further, CBT serves as a foundation for, and may be enhanced by, integration with other psychotherapies.
At Psychology Works of California, our licensed psychologists have expertise in integrating CBT with other effective psychotherapies to accurately assess and treat anxiety.
common signs and symptoms of anxiety
Frequently Asked Questions about Anxiety
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress. Anxiety manifests both physically and emotionally with excessive worry, physical tension, and elevated heart rate. For high-performance professionals, such as executives, doctors, and surgeons, anxiety can stem from demanding work environments, high stakes, and the pressure to perform. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic anxiety can cripple one’s personal and professional life.
How to deal with anxiety?
Dealing with anxiety effectively involves a combination of strategies tailored to the unique pressures faced by high-performance professionals. Key approaches include:
- Relaxation and Mindful Meditation techniques: When you pause, focus on your breath you oxygenate your blood which boosts cognition. In addition this calms your body down where you can acknowledge feelings and thoughts and decide how you want to deal with them, thus reducing your stress.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise can alleviate anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving overall physical health.
- Professional support: Seeking therapy or counseling can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing anxiety.
- Time management: Prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can also help manage anxiety levels.
Do I have anxiety?
Recognizing anxiety in yourself involves being aware of both emotional and physical symptoms. If you frequently experience intense, excessive worry that is difficult to control, along with physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances, you may be experiencing anxiety. High-performance professionals often face unique stressors, so it’s important to assess whether these symptoms are affecting your work and personal life. Consulting with a mental health professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and appropriate support.
How to calm anxiety?
Calming anxiety, especially in high-pressure environments, can be achieved through various techniques:
- Mindfulness and meditation: Regular mindfulness practices can help ground you and help you engage with the feelings that you have been ignoring that generate anxiety from not holding space for your own emotions.
- Controlled breathing: Techniques such as deep breathing or the 4-7-8 method can quickly calm the nervous system.
- Physical activity: Engaging in activities like walking, running, or yoga can help release tension and improve mood.
- Routine and structure: Establishing a consistent daily routine can create a sense of stability and predictability, which can reduce anxiety.
- Professional guidance: Therapists can provide personalized strategies and coping mechanisms to help manage anxiety effectively.
What does anxiety feel like?
Anxiety can manifest both mentally and physically. Mentally, it can cause persistent worry, racing thoughts, and a sense of impending doom. Physically, it can lead to symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues. High-performance professionals may also experience anxiety as a constant sense of urgency or pressure, which can impact their ability to focus and perform optimally.
What is Social Anxiety?
At Psychology Works CA, we focus on empowering individuals to obtain the tools they need to function optimally and maintain a high quality of life. Social anxiety is characterized by an intense fear of social situations and being judged or scrutinized by others. This can lead to avoidance of social interactions, which can interfere with daily functioning and professional responsibilities.
For high-performance professionals, such as executives, doctors, and surgeons, social anxiety can manifest as excessive self-consciousness in meetings, presentations, or networking events, impacting your ability to perform at your best. The key is not just in the diagnosis, but in providing effective strategies and support to manage anxiety and thrive in both your professional and personal life.
At Psychology Works CA, our ultimate goal is to empower the professionals who seek support. We provide tailored strategies to help you build confidence, improve social skills, and reduce anxiety in social situations. By focusing on empowerment, we help you achieve balance and success, ensuring that social anxiety does not hinder your professional and personal growth.