Anxiety can manifest itself in seemingly innocuous ways, such as chronic worrying, bodily strain, or emotional fatigue. While stress is unavoidable, chronic worry can have a negative impact on work, relationships, and personal health. Recognizing when to seek therapy for anxiety and depression is an important first step toward healing. Here are five research-backed signals …
Anxiety can manifest itself in seemingly innocuous ways, such as chronic worrying, bodily strain, or emotional fatigue. While stress is unavoidable, chronic worry can have a negative impact on work, relationships, and personal health. Recognizing when to seek therapy for anxiety and depression is an important first step toward healing. Here are five research-backed signals that you should seek professional help, as well as information on the best anxiety treatment options available today.
1. Constant Worrying
If your mind feels like it’s always “on” and you tend to overthink even minor issues, it could be a sign of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), excessive worry lasting for six months or more can impact concentration, decision-making, and quality of life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Why therapy helps: Techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help identify thought patterns and replace them with healthier responses
2. Physical Symptoms Without a Medical Cause
Anxiety frequently shows in the body as racing heart, muscle tension, headaches, or sleep difficulties. According to research, these somatic symptoms are associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activation, which keeps the body in “fight-or-flight” mode (Thibodeau et al., 2013). Mindfulness-based therapy and breathing exercises lower physiological arousal, which benefits both mental and physical health.
3. Avoidance Behavior
Skipping social occasions, professional responsibilities, or everyday situations to avoid anxiety may provide temporary comfort, but it perpetuates dread in the long term.
According to research, avoidance maintains and increases anxiety reactions. Exposure therapy for anxiety, gradually retrains the brain to feel safe in anxiety-provoking situations.
4. Having difficulty concentrating
Anxiety can impair working memory and attention control, making even the simplest tasks seem burdensome. Moran’s (2016) meta-analysis indicated that high levels of anxiety regularly decrease cognitive performance. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help shift the focus from anxious thoughts to values-based activities.
5. Emotional exhaustion
Living in a constant state of tension is exhausting, often resulting in burnout or despair. Prolonged stress activation has been associated to emotional tiredness and an increased risk of mood disorders (Bianchi et al., 2015). Anxiety therapy provides techniques for managing emotions, improving boundaries, and restoring energy levels.
Choosing the best treatment for anxiety.
Anxiety can be effectively treated using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ACT, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and online therapy. If anxiety and depression coexist, integrated therapy approaches treat both problems, resulting in better long-term outcomes.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of self-care. Whether you select in-person or online anxiety therapy, remember that healing begins with one step. If you recognize any of these indicators, schedule your initial session with a qualified therapist at Catalyst Psyche Inc
