Anxiety
Therapy
Anxiety is a natural and normal response to stress or danger, often referred to as the fight or flight response. It’s a persistent feeling of unease, such as fear, worry, or apprehension, and it can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.
How Does Anxiety Become a Health Issue?
How Does Anxiety Become a Health Issue?
When anxiety feels excessive and continues untreated, and if it begins to interfere with daily life, then it may rightfully be classified as a disorder. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, or anxiety, which can significantly impair a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Each type of anxiety disorder has its own unique set of symptoms, but they all involve excessive and persistent fear or anxiety.
Statistics Related to Anxiety
Statistics Related to Anxiety
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in Canada, affecting around 3.7 million people each year. (Source: Government of Canada)
- Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders, with a lifetime prevalence of 21% (or 1 in 5 women) compared to 12% (or 1 in 8 men) for men. (Source: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
- Anxiety disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects around 1 million Canadians each year. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Panic disorder affects around 400,000 Canadians each year. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects around 3 million Canadians each year. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Specific phobias affect around 1.8 million Canadians each year. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)
How Anxiety Affects Everyday Life
How Anxiety Affects Everyday Life
Anxiety can affect someone in many ways, and the specific symptoms and severity can vary depending on the individual and the type of anxiety disorder they are experiencing. Some common ways that anxiety can affect someone include:
- Physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause a range of physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle tension. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and distressing and may lead the person to avoid certain situations or activities.
- Cognitive symptoms: Anxiety can also affect a person’s thoughts and mental processes. They may experience excessive worry, racing thoughts, negative self-talk, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. They may also have unrealistic or catastrophic thoughts about the future.
- Behavioral symptoms: Anxiety can lead to changes in behavior, such as avoiding social situations or activities that trigger anxiety, relying on substances like alcohol or drugs to cope, or engaging in compulsive behaviors like checking or cleaning.
- Emotional symptoms: Anxiety can cause intense feelings of fear, worry, or apprehension, as well as irritability, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing or sleeping.
- Interpersonal problems: Anxiety can also affect a person’s relationships and social functioning. They may have difficulty communicating with others, feel isolated or misunderstood, or struggle to form close relationships.
How Does Online Therapy Centre Treat Anxiety?
How Does Online Therapy Centre Treat Anxiety?
Counsellors at the Online Therapy Centre understand that anxiety can be debilitating and impact many aspects of personal life. Fortunately, therapy is a powerful tool that helps people manage their anxiety and helps them feel more fulfilled and live happier and have more productive days while experiencing less stress.
Experienced therapists at OTC work with patients to identify the specific triggers that cause their anxiety, and they’ll help develop effective coping strategies to manage them. This can include learning relaxation techniques and challenging negative thoughts to gradually face fears and reduce avoidance behaviors.
Our counsellors also help patients explore any underlying issues that may be contributing to their anxiety, such as past trauma, relationship problems, or low self-esteem. Our therapists provide a safe and supportive space for sufferers to express their fears and emotions without judgment, which can help them feel less alone and more understood.
In addition, our therapists offer education and psychoeducation about the biology of anxiety, and how it can trigger bad behaviour and poor health, and how wellness can be maintained. This can help sufferers feel more in control and help them develop effective coping strategies to manage their anxiety in the long-term.
We provide ongoing support for those struggling with anxiety, helping you identify signs of relapse, providing ongoing encouragement, and offering strategies for managing anxiety in the long-term.
Through therapy, we believe that everyone can learn to manage their anxiety and live a more fulfilling and balanced life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
Do I Need Anxiety Therapy?
Do I Need Anxiety Therapy?
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