Anxiety Counseling

Do you experience constant worry?
Do you find yourself overthinking?
Do you obsess over things outside of your control?
You are not alone.
I can help.

Anxiety Disorder Counseling Akron

Anxiety is extremely common and treatable.

The fact of the matter is anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older. That is about 18% of the population every year. Here are some statistics taken from the ADAA website to show you how wide reaching anxiety truly is.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million adults, or about 3% of the U.S. population, and women are twice as likely to be affected (or they are just more likely to report it!).
Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
Panic Disorder (PD) affects 6 million adults, or 2.7% of the U.S. population. Women are also twice as likely to be affected with PD.

It’s not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is identified by a constant, incessant worry about anything from finances and school to family, work or other issues. You may worry more than seems warranted about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern. When you have GAD, you will have a very hard time controlling your worry.

Panic Disorder (PD) is defined by having unexpected panic attacks and may leave you feeling very preoccupied with the worry that you will have another panic attack. These panic attacks, which are also called anxiety attacks, may seem out-of-the-blue and can even wake you from sleep. PD typically starts in adulthood (after age 20).

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) also called social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged or rejected in a social situation. You may feel worried about appearing or acting visibly anxious (like stumbling over words or blushing) or looking awkward, out of place or stupid. Since you often feel powerless against your anxiety symptoms, you may try to avoid social situations that cause this distress.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms:

Poor sleep
Constant worry
Racing thoughts
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Panic, fear and uneasiness
Avoiding places, things or people
Tense muscles
Headaches
Feeling agitated
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability

Anxiety Attack Symptoms:

Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Feeling short of breath or like you can’t breath
A feeling of choking
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
Chest discomfort or pain
Nausea or abdominal distress
Feelings of unreality (derealization)
Feeling detached from oneself (depersonalization)
Fear of losing control or going crazy
Numbness or tingling sensations
Chills or hot flushes
Fear of dying

I have great news! Anxiety disorders are very treatable. You can have a happy, productive and meaningful life where you can manage your anxiety symptoms. Unfortunately, only about 37% of those who suffer from anxiety symptoms seek treatment. Don’t let this be you! You deserve to be confident and to not let fear stop you from being who you really want to be.

I have a secret to share with you. Some level of anxiety can be a good thing. Not everyone who experiences anxiety has an “anxiety disorder.” In fact, a little bit anxiety can be a positive thing. For instance, anxiety when driving in a snowstorm will cause you to drive more carefully and stay more alert. Anxiety about a big exam can cause you to study more. However, too much anxiety can be a problem. When anxiety becomes debilitating and stops you from doing the everyday life tasks you need to do, then it is a problem.

My Approach to Anxiety Counseling

The thing I want you to know most is that anxiety doesn’t have to define you. Panic attacks don’t last. Anxiety will come and go. However, there are some specific things we can do together to help you regain control over your own life. I use a combination of person centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in my sessions with anxious clients. I also enjoy teaching client’s mindfulness techniques. I try and “practice what I preach”. I also used CBT strategies and mindfulness techniques to manage my own day to day anxieties, so I know first hand how to explain how to best utilize them.

As a therapist, I am always looking for ways I can contribute to helping people improve their mental health. One way I do this is by providing resources on my blog where I dish all my tips on coping with anxiety.

Still unsure if you’re ready for counseling?

I know it can feel scary to come in for counseling. Especially if it is your first time going to therapy! I promise I will make the process as easy and painless as possible for you. Please consider checking out my FAQS or contact me with other questions, I am here to help!

Anxiety isn’t the only thing counseling can help with.

As a mental health therapist, I can also help you to stop struggling with depressive thoughts cope with the stressors of college and young adulthood and begin to life your best life. I am passionate about my work with individuals who are teens, college students and young adults. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ and my office is a safe space for all queer and questioning clients.

Are you ready to take the next step?

If you are looking for a counselor in Akron, OH, I can help. My name is Allyssa Dziurlaj and I am passionate about my work as a mental health therapist. We can set up an appointment for you to begin counseling for anxiety today!