A person in scrubs sits resting their hands on their head. Learn how anxiety counseling in Tigard, OR can offer support in managing anxiety symptoms. Search for an anxiety counselor to learn more about social anxiety in Tigard, OR today.

Anxiety is a common emotional state that everyone experiences from time to time. It is a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations, and it can help individuals stay alert and focused in times of need. However, anxiety can also become excessive, interfering with daily activities and negatively impacting one's quality of life until an intervention such as anxiety counseling. 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, being on edge, or unease about future events or situations. It is a natural response to stress and danger, and it can manifest physically as well as emotionally. Symptoms of anxiety may include increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, and a sense of impending doom. Thoughts are often preoccupied with ‘what if’ scenarios. 

What Anxiety is Not?

Anxiety is not the same as fear. Fear is usually an intense response to an immediate danger, while anxiety is a response to a potential threat. Anxiety is also not the same as stress. Stress is a response to external pressures or demands, while anxiety is a response to internal thoughts and worries.

What is Normal Anxiety?

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It is normal to experience anxiety! It’s commonly misunderstood that experiencing any amount of anxiety indicates an anxiety disorder. Normal anxiety is a temporary emotional response to new, stressful or dangerous situations. It can help individuals stay alert and focused as well as biologically prepare a person to physically maneuver through a difficult situation. It usually subsides once the threat has passed. Normal anxiety can also motivate individuals to take action to address the source of their worries. 

What is Excessive Anxiety?

Excessive anxiety, on the other hand, is a persistent feeling of worry or fear that interferes with daily activities and quality of life. An individual’s thoughts are often centralized around what could go wrong in the future. Excessive anxiety leads a person to perceive there is a real threat when in reality there is not. Excessive anxiety is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. It can also lead to avoidance behaviors, social isolation, and difficulty sleeping. 

Self-Help Coping Skills for Anxiety

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There are several self-help coping skills that can be effective in managing anxiety. These include:

  1. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help individuals focus on the present moment and reduce worry about the future.
  2. Exercise: Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall mood.
  3. Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.

When to Seek Anxiety Counseling

While self-help coping skills can be effective in managing normal levels of anxiety, excessive anxiety may require the help of a therapist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Individuals should consider seeking anxiety counseling if their anxiety is interfering with daily activities, impacting their relationships, or causing physical symptoms. Additionally, individuals who have a history of trauma or abuse may be at higher risk for developing anxiety disorders and should consider seeking anxiety counseling as a preventative measure.

Begin Anxiety Counseling in Tigard, OR

Practicing new coping skills for anxiety can take time to get used to. Our anxiety counselors in Tigard are here to support you as you navigate your anxiety symptoms. In order to get started with Discover Counseling follow these simple steps.

Other Mental Health Services At Discover Counseling in Tigard, OR

Our caring online therapists offer more than just therapy for anxiety in Tigard, OR. We also offer trauma recovery, therapy for life transitions, and counseling for postpartum. In addition, we are happy to also offer therapy for teens, Christian counseling, and codependency treatment. At Discover Counseling, we care about not only you but also your relationships. This is why we also offer premarital counseling, couples therapy, marriage counseling, and therapy for relationship problems. Reach out now to get started!