10 Oct How to Know When Your Anxiety Should Be Treated by a Therapist
Anxiety is a normal part of life, and everyone experiences it at times. Whether it’s nerves before a big presentation, stress over personal relationships, or worry about finances, occasional anxiety is to be expected. However, anxiety can sometimes grow beyond typical, short-lived reactions and begin to interfere with daily functioning. But how can you tell when your anxiety has crossed that line, and it’s time to seek help from a therapist?
Here are key signs that your anxiety may require professional intervention:
1. Anxiety Interferes with Daily Life
If your anxiety is preventing you from performing routine tasks or is significantly impacting your work, school, or relationships, it may be time to seek therapy. For example, if anxiety causes you to avoid social situations, miss deadlines, or feel unable to handle basic responsibilities, this is a strong indicator that professional help could be beneficial.
2. Physical Symptoms Accompany Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in physical ways, such as:
- Panic attacks: Racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or trembling can signal panic disorder or an anxiety disorder.
- Chronic physical symptoms: Persistent headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension that don’t seem to have a physical cause could be rooted in anxiety.
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep: If racing thoughts keep you up at night or wake you frequently, this might indicate a need for professional intervention.
When anxiety is causing these types of physical symptoms, it’s more than just nervousness—your body is responding in distress, and a therapist can help you manage these symptoms.
3. Constant Worry or Overthinking
Experiencing occasional worry is normal, but excessive and uncontrollable worrying, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), can be overwhelming. If you find yourself trapped in endless “what if” scenarios, dwelling on worst-case outcomes, or constantly second-guessing yourself, it might be time to talk to a therapist. This type of anxiety can be mentally exhausting and lead to more serious issues like depression.
4. Avoidance Behaviors
If anxiety leads you to avoid certain situations, places, or people, this is a red flag. Avoidance might temporarily relieve your anxiety, but it ultimately reinforces and worsens it. For instance, avoiding work presentations, social gatherings, or driving due to fear only allows the anxiety to grow. A therapist can help you confront and manage these fears in a healthy way.
5. Difficulty Managing Anxiety on Your Own
Many people try to manage their anxiety through coping strategies like exercise, meditation, or talking with friends. While these strategies can be helpful, if you find that your anxiety is not improving despite these efforts, it might be time to get professional help. A therapist can provide more tailored tools, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help you gain control over your thoughts and feelings.
6. You Experience Anxiety for No Apparent Reason
Anxiety that seems to arise out of nowhere, without a clear trigger, can be particularly distressing. This might feel like sudden dread, nervousness, or fear that doesn’t align with your current circumstances. Such anxiety can indicate a deeper underlying issue, and a therapist can help you explore the root causes and develop strategies to manage it.
7. Anxiety Is Linked to Past Trauma
Sometimes anxiety stems from unresolved trauma, whether it’s “Big T” trauma (such as abuse or a major accident) or “little T” trauma (like chronic stress or subtle emotional neglect). If your anxiety feels like it’s connected to difficult past experiences, therapy can help you process these emotions and heal. Trauma-informed therapists are particularly skilled in helping clients work through the anxiety that results from unresolved trauma.
8. Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism
If you’ve begun using alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to manage your anxiety, this is a serious indicator that professional help is needed. Substances may provide temporary relief, but they often worsen anxiety in the long run and can lead to addiction. A therapist can help you address both the underlying anxiety and any unhealthy coping mechanisms you may have developed.
If your anxiety is taking control of your life, it’s worth reaching out to a therapist for support. Professional treatment can provide you with the tools and strategies needed to regain balance and improve your well-being. Whether through talk therapy, mindfulness techniques, or medication (if needed), there are many ways to manage anxiety effectively and reclaim your sense of peace.
If you’d like to explore working with a therapist, contact us at (734) 323-4897 or info@galvingrowthgroup.com for more information. Our practice, based in Novi, Michigan, is home to a team of psychologists with a wide range of expertise. We also offer teletherapy and can see anyone in the state of Michigan.
Sources
American Psychological Association, How Psychologists Help with Anxiety Disorders
Verywell Mind, Types of Therapy for Anxiety & What to Expect
Better Health Channel, Managing and Treating Anxiety
