If you’re considering anxiety counselling in Vancouver, you have probably been struggling with this distressing feeling for some time and would like to learn about options that can help. In this article, we will discuss some of the common features and symptoms of anxiety, approaches to anxiety counselling, and where to look for help in greater Vancouver.
Who should consider anxiety counselling in Vancouver?
Anxiety, which people sometimes refer to as “stress,” is a fairly common experience. Stress and anxiety account for a substantial percentage of physician visits. Anxiety can sometimes be a helpful defensive reaction. When it is, it helps to protect us from harm. So it is not always a problem. But sometimes people experience more anxiety than is helpful for them. In these cases, it can be very distressing.
The experience of anxiety can be very uncomfortable. Anxious people may feel nervous and on edge. They may feel hotness, numbness, or terror. They may find that they are unable to relax, lightheaded, and shaky. Breathing can become difficult. They may notice their heart pounding or racing. They can have profound fears of losing control or dying. Thoughts tend to centre around catastrophic outcomes and worst case scenarios.
Avoidance is a common behaviour in anxious people. The settings that induce the most anxiety are kept away from. Avoidance can lower a person’s quality of life. This is especially true if the person avoids situations that would be good for them.
These are some of the common anxiety symptoms people experience:
- Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
- Not being able to stop or control worrying
- Worrying too much about different things
- Trouble relaxing
- Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
- Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
- Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen
Goals of anxiety counselling
There are different approaches to anxiety counselling, including CBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based approaches. Some of the common goals that cut across the different approaches can include:
Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety
The primary goal of anxiety therapy is to alleviate the symptoms that interfere with daily life. This can include persistent worry, feelings of panic, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate or sweating. Techniques help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns that heighten anxiety. Gradual exposure to feared situations, mindfulness practices, and relaxation exercises can also play crucial roles. By reducing the intensity and frequency of anxiety symptoms, therapy aims to improve overall well-being and allow individuals to engage more fully in their daily activities.
Improving Coping Strategies
Another objective of anxiety therapy is to equip individuals with effective coping mechanisms. Often, people with anxiety resort to avoidance or other maladaptive behaviors to manage their fears, which can exacerbate the condition over time. Therapy helps identify these behaviors and replace them with healthier alternatives. For instance, deep breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery can help. Developing a toolkit of effective coping strategies empowers people to handle anxiety-provoking situations more confidently and reduces the likelihood of relapse.
Enhancing Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is a critical component of managing anxiety. Many individuals with anxiety struggle to control their emotional responses, leading to intense and prolonged episodes of anxiety. Therapy focuses on helping individuals understand their emotional triggers and develop strategies to regulate their emotions. This could involve techniques like cognitive restructuring, which allows individuals to reframe negative thoughts, and mindfulness meditation, which promotes emotional balance. Improved emotional regulation leads to more stable moods and a greater sense of control over one’s reactions.
Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence
Anxiety can significantly erode self-esteem and confidence, as individuals often feel overwhelmed and incapable of managing their condition. One of the therapeutic goals is to rebuild self-worth and instill a sense of competence. This is achieved by setting and accomplishing small, achievable goals, which can enhance a person’s belief in their abilities. Positive reinforcement from the therapist and gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing scenarios under controlled conditions also contribute to boosting confidence. As self-esteem improves, individuals tend to take on new challenges and lead more fulfilling lives.
Finding Anxiety counselling in Vancouver
Getting connected with a Vancouver counsellor who can help you with your anxiety can feel overwhelming. It takes some research and effort, but it is often worthwhile in the end. Look at local Vancouver therapist directories, carry out internet searches, and consider speaking with your family doctor to see if they have counsellors they often refer to.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anxiety
Why do people experience anxiety in the first place?
A widely accepted view is that human beings evolved in order to be able to feel anxiety. It is similar to pain. When someone feels pain in their body, they are quickly led to do something to stop or reduce it. In this way, pain is a signal that has the effect of preserving the body. Anxiety may have evolved as a signal of threat. When a person feels anxious, they feel they should quickly change what they are doing to reduce their feeling. In an ancestral setting, this may have been to engage in a fight with or flight from a threatening animal. Being able to feel anxiety can actually be a sign of a healthy response system. However, in anxiety disorders, people experience excessive amounts of anxiety and typically benefit from therapy addressing any underlying psychological causes of such distress
Can difficult past events make a person anxious?
Not everyone who experiences excessive anxiety will have had difficult past events. But there is good reason to believe that such events make anxiety more likely.
For example, a review of studies found a link between past bullying and anxiety. A second review found that past physical and sexual abuse increases the risk for anxiety. A third review arrived at a similar conclusion.
What are the most common medications for anxiety? How do medications compare to anxiety therapy?
According to widely used Canadian clinical practice guidelines (2014), first line medications for anxiety will typically be SSRIs and SNRIs. These are anti-depressants. Benzodiazepines can also be used, especially for acute anxiety.
These guidelines note that anxiety therapy and medications demonstrate about equal efficacy in treating most anxiety and related disorders. They advise that all patients being treated with medications should also be advised to face their fears more directly.