Anxiety Treatment for Hamden

Every day, we experience a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sadness to fear. When presented with a funny joke, we may laugh and feel joy, on the hand, when presented with the news that a loved one has passed, we may cry and feel sad. These emotions are a result of a situation and will eventually come to pass with time. Anxiety is a very different emotion, and goes beyond mere worrying.

Someone who struggles with anxiety may go to great lengths to avoid experiencing the unpleasant sensations associated with their disorder. For example, someone who feels nauseous when speaking in public may avoid situations where they are required to give a presentation, speech, or speak in front of a group, such as school, business meetings, or weddings. While this method can be affective at keeping the nausea at bay, it is important to note that this a coping mechanism and not an adequate way to manage anxiety. The fact of the matter is that interacting with people is part of life, so avoiding doing so is only maintaining the disorder.

Most anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, can be treated by a mental health care professional. One form of psychotherapy that has proven to be highly effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to help an individual change their thinking patterns which maintain the anxiety disorder. For example, someone who makes excuses to get out of business meeting because they are afraid they will need to speak in front of their coworkers will never learn that public speaking is harmless.

The first step in CBT typically involves identifying the fear and introducing the person to the feared situation, such as the meeting. The second stage involves building the confidence up in that person so that they can adequately handle that which they fear, whether that’s harsh judgement embarrassment, or rejection. The third step involves developing techniques which will allow a person to react in constructive manner if faced with that reality.

Many individuals who attend CBT sessions may find that their anxiety peaks at certain points during the period that they are sessions. Often, this is because an individual is no longer relying coping mechanisms to help them get by, which can lead to feelings of vulnerability. With the support of trained professional, these feelings of vulnerability will subside.

CBT usually lasts 12 weeks

If you are in or around Hamden and would like to speak with a therapist at Dr. Somaia Mohamed, then please give us a call today to schedule an appointment.