Anxiety
You stay busy all the time, because if you stop moving…
… your thoughts won’t.
You’re in the car, ready to leave… when a thought enters your mind.
“Did I turn the stove off?”
“I know I checked the locks, but I need to check just one more time.”
“Why did I say that?”
“What if I do something stupid in front of my boss?”
Anxiety is terrible in every way: It robs us of enjoying the present; it’s an unreliable narrator of the past; and it’s a crappy predictor of the future.
It haunts your waking moments with dark imaginings of the worst-case scenario.
It offers intrusive thoughts, ranging from mildly disturbing to downright horrifying.
You probably know these thoughts aren’t logical, but your brain hasn’t gotten the message.
Obsessions, compulsions, and intrusive thoughts…
Yep, there’s a name for the thoughts that plague you! And they all act like they’re your boss.
Just when you think you’ve won… just when you think you have defeated your anxious thoughts… the target shifts onto something new, and the cycle continues, leaving you exhausted and unsettled.
You’re distracted at home, not present for your kids.
You get lost in your online “research,” diagnosing yourself with horrible illnesses or preparing for disaster. With sweaty hands and a pounding heart, your eyes fixate on the computer screen and its endless offerings of tragedy and despair.
You struggle to stay focused and worry you’ll get fired for ineptitude. Or, worse, you’ll be asked to speak in front of colleagues.
You feel lonely and wish you had more friends, but you keep declining social invitations because it all feels too awkward.
What’s the magic cure?
I still can’t find my magic wand, but there are many ways therapy can benefit those suffering (and I do mean suffering) from anxiety.
The most basic tool to combat anxiety is sharing your concerns and being willing to endure growing pains that ultimately free you from these unproductive thoughts.
We will work together to make a plan, starting with identifying and changing unproductive thought patterns.
We will then modify actions that lessen anxiety temporarily but reinforce the compulsive behavior. As you do this, you’ll gradually feel a sense of relief from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. This approach is known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and it’s been proven highly effective in treating anxiety disorders.
In addition to CBT, you will learn mindfulness and comprehensive stress-identification and reduction techniques. These are particularly important because even the good stuff in life can be stressful!
Take the next step toward healing.
“I would, but I’m afraid you’ll think I’m crazy!”
I won’t. Really… I won’t.
And that thinking that “you’re crazy”? THAT’S how anxiety works. It isolates you from your loved ones and uses fear to stop you from getting the help you need.
You are so much more than your anxious thoughts, and you deserve a life of peace.
And I’m here to help. It’s time to reclaim your brain!
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Call me to schedule your free consultation: (720) 797-9828.