Anxiety treatments in Asheville NC
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural and adaptive response that humans and many other animals experience in situations perceived as threatening or stressful. It’s a normal part of the human experience and can help us stay alert, focused, and prepared to deal with challenges. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, uncontrollable, or occurs in situations where it’s not proportionate to the threat, it can become a mental health disorder known as an anxiety disorder.
Key aspects of anxiety include:
1. Physical and Emotional Response: Anxiety triggers a range of physical and emotional responses. Physically, it might lead to increased heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, sweating, and a “fight or flight” readiness. Emotionally, it can cause feelings of worry, apprehension, restlessness, and a sense of impending danger or doom.
2. Types of Anxiety Disorders: Several types of anxiety disorders exist, each with its own specific characteristics. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), panic disorder, specific phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Excessive Worry: One of the central features of anxiety disorders is excessive, persistent worry about various aspects of life, often accompanied by a feeling of being unable to control these worries.
4. Impact on Daily Life: Anxiety disorders can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. They may avoid certain situations or activities due to fear or discomfort.
5. Treatment: Anxiety disorders are treatable conditions. Treatment approaches may include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication (like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications), lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and stress management.
6. Coexistence with Other Conditions: Anxiety often coexists with other mental health conditions, such as depression. When this occurs, it can make diagnosis and treatment more complex.
7. Normal Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorder: It’s essential to distinguish between normal, temporary anxiety (like feeling nervous before a job interview) and an anxiety disorder, which involves persistent, excessive anxiety that interferes with daily life. If anxiety is causing significant distress or impairment, it’s essential to seek professional help.
What You Need To Know
It’s important to recognize that experiencing occasional anxiety is part of being human, and it can even be helpful in certain situations. However, if you or someone you know is experiencing chronic, overwhelming anxiety that is negatively impacting daily life, seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If you’re looking for an anxiety therapist or counselor, Taylor Houchens specializes in treating these emotional conditions.
Serving the Following Asheville, NC Communities:
- Jupiter
- Barnardsville
- Weaverville
- Leicester
- Woodfin
- Black Mountain
- Ridgecrest
- Montreat
- Fairview
- Biltmore Forest
- Arden
- Fletcher
- Hlls River
- Hendersonville
- Mills River
- Enka Village
- Candler
- Beaverdam
- Canton
- Etowah
Taylor Houchens, M.S., LPC
191 East Chestnut Street
Asheville, NC 28804
828.622.4184