Anxiety

Anxiety can feel similar to excitement, but not quite, and not welcome. It involves fear.  One can imagine a bride walking down the aisle …the anticipation of a desired arrival, as examples of situations that make the heart beat faster associated with excitement, brought in by joy. With anxiety, there is discomfort and dread. Descriptions such as “coming out of my skin” and “walking on eggshells” speak of the burden of the tension and are part of our routine everyday expressions.

We understand that the mental energy that is spent in anxiety could eventually be freed and put to use in desirable areas, like improved relationships, better memory, and concentration, improved job performance, decreased levels of exhaustion.

The reason people come to our office is to obtain relief and eventually master symptoms that are getting in the way of living more happily.

Aiming at resolving symptoms,  psychotherapy, medications and keeping in mind that the situation is not forever, offers remarkable relief.

Tailored treatment approaches will conform to the evolving needs of the individual. We all change. Anxiety gets better.

 

Panic Disorder

We get referrals by way of the emergency room as well as self-referred.

It is an overwhelming experience. It can feel like a heart attack, with palpitations, sweating, feeling like one is dying. Panic attacks are sudden and unpredictable. It is a complex issue, since it can impair driving, going out alone, maintaining a work routine among others.

Sometimes it is associated with other entities like post-traumatic stress disorder. Panic attacks are treatable and subside with time.

Treatment entails psychotherapy and when needed, medication.

1.Consider starting your day right: meditation writing down your thoughts, some “me” time, watch the sun rise and figure out the plan for just today.
2.Get some exercise.
3.Learn what works for you and for your style. We all are different. Keep trying.
4.Behavioral strategies are to be used in conjunction with medications, not instead of medications and vice versa.
5.Surround yourself with positive, supportive, non- judgmental people. Educate them about your symptoms…do the same for them. It will expand your positive circle.
6.Strive to do more of the things you do best, they will showcase your talents and require less energy. It will improve your self confidence and decrease your self doubting.
7. Consider psychotherapy…finding someone you can collaborate with, outside of your circle can bring insight and relief. Remind yourself that fearsome situations are usually more exaggerated in one’s mind.
8. Anxiety medications can be used on as needed basis or ongoing basis for symptom relief for generalized anxiety, PTSD, social anxiety.
9.Learn and manage your triggers and remind yourself that ultimately, you are in charge. Whenever a thought starts to escalate, one can ask : Is this likely to happen? What could be the likely outcome… eventually, anxiety yields to reasoning.
10.Panic attacks are treatable and get better. Do not give up.

Disclaimer:
The above mentioned statements do not constitute or replace professional medical advise and
or treatment.