In this two part series, I am educating those new to individual counseling Orlando issues, and new to getting mental health help, on how to better care for and support those suffering from mental illness. In this article I will be focusing on anxiety disorders and those who suffer from them. Consider this a mock Anxiety for Dummies, Mental Health Counselor version.
Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. While there is one single definition of anxiety, it is felt and coped with in a million different ways. Anxiety can manifest in pain, in depression, in questions, in tears. Every person is different in how anxiety makes them feel and how it impacts their physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health.
What people who suffer from anxiety need is support and understanding, and here are some ways to do that:
Feeling supported, understood, heard, are all major components to anxiety. Our minds are both magical and scary places. Encourage your loved ones. If your significant other or loved one is scared of anxiety therapy, suggest couple's therapy. Establish support and unconditional regard for the feelings associated with anxiety.
Anxiety feels like loneliness, and isolation.
Anxiety feels like restless energy, pacing.
Anxiety feels hot and sweaty.
Anxiety feels sad, like crying.
Anxiety feels exhausting, zapping your energy.
Anxiety feels like faking it with a smile.
The range depends on the person, their environment and their current coping strategies. Learn how to use new, healthy coping skills by working with an anxiety counselor and getting help for anxiety.
If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety, whether they need better coping or understanding, or perhaps you need a further understanding of what anxiety looks or feels like, contact an anxiety specialist and begin individual counseling Orlando today. You can schedule a consultation with an Orlando counselor at Orlando Thrive Therapy and stop dealing with anxiety alone. To speak with the author of this article, contact Mallory Hawkes, MS, RMHCI at mallory.orlandothrivetherapy@gmail.com. Thrive on!
Heather Oller is the owner and founder of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling. She is a licensed counselor and a family mediator who has over 23 years of dedicated work as a professional in the mental health field. Through her company's mission, she continues to pave the way for future therapists, and their clients, who want a higher quality of life....and who want to thrive, rather than just survive. You can contact Orlando Thrive Therapy at (407) 592-8997 for more information.