Blog

Fall 2011 - Anxiety
With the hurried and haired pace of life today, anxiety continues to rise to unhealthy levels. Below is a timely Blog on the topic by our therapist: Letisha Erb, LMSW.

When Anxiety is Too Much

We all know that feeling when we are beginning something new of the "butterflies in the stomach." That feeling is what our minds and bodies use as energy to complete an unfamiliar task. It also helps us to focus on such tasks as exams and sports and gives us the energy to do our best. However, there can be such a time when this energy turns from helpful to harmful.

When the energy turns from helpful to harmful it becomes anxiety. Anxiety is worry that robs the mind and body of helpful energy. It directs the energy in negative ways causing our bodies to have symptoms such as sweaty palms, a racing heart, excessive muscle tension, worry, loss of sleep, and an overall lack of focus for necessary tasks. When this occurs a therapist trained in the cognitive behavioral approach to treating anxiety can help.

It is important to get help as anxiety can be crippling; stunting the emotional growth of youth and causing young adults to lose focus. There are many differing forms that this anxiety can take so it is important to seek counseling to determine how best to help resolve this issue.