Worry and Anxiety

I worry a lot. Could I have an anxiety disorder?  Anxiety is a very natural - and useful - emotion.  It tells us when we should pay attention and be ready for something going on in our life: a critical work assignment, an important exam, or that mean-looking dog we meet on the street.  However, when our anxiety is overwhelming and we avoid doing meaningful things in our life, it becomes a disorder.  Common symptoms of anxiety disorder include not being able to stop worrying about something, trouble concentrating, and poor sleep quality.  Treating anxiety disorder typically involves therapy and medication.  One quick self help technique for anxiety is to be more aware of the specific thoughts playing over and over again in your mind.  Anxious thoughts often feel catastrophic, permanent, and repetitive, like a radio in your head broadcasting a Doom and Gloom emergency alert.  Imagine yourself turning down the volume on this radio, and turning your attention to the more helpful and meaningful thoughts about the present moments in your life.  Gulf Wind Counseling offers Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is very effective in lowering the Doom and Gloom thoughts in your head.  We have offices in Tallahassee and Apalachicola.          ​

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