The COVID-19 pandemic that started to spread last year has undoubtedly affected the mental health of Canadians. In fact, the number of Canadians reporting having excellent mental health has declined from 68% in 2019 to 55% in July of 2020. Those who are already suffering from poor mental health before the pandemic are impacted even more. Some might argue that anxiety is a normal part of life now, but should it be?
The symptoms that come with anxiety can get in the way of you performing your usual tasks. If you are experiencing restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, and constant headaches, you might be wondering if it’s time to go for anxiety counselling or psychotherapy. The short answer is yes.
Here are five reasons psychotherapy can help relieve your anxiety symptoms:
One of the most essential parts of treating anxiety is figuring out what causes it in the first place. A licensed therapist can help you uncover issues that may be affecting you without you realizing it. Some of the common triggers include:
A therapist can teach you some techniques that can help you change negative behaviours like procrastination, irritation, and avoidance that actually make your anxiety worse. You may not be able to recognize that you have some of these behaviours, but your therapist can see them and help you change them!
Did you know that negative thought patterns might be intensifying the symptoms you experience? Harmful thought patterns like expecting too much from yourself, anticipating failure, and being too harsh on yourself can aggravate the problem. Therapists know you need to conquer these thoughts that are acting as your inner saboteur, and they help you fight them.
Many anxiety sufferers tend to avoid the situations that may cause them anxiety, and that is not always healthy. To lessen or eliminate all your symptoms, you need to be able to establish coping mechanisms because running away is not the solution. As such, you need to learn to deal with challenging situations, and that’s something that you can learn through psychotherapy.
Most people who deal with anxiety are afraid to open up even to their closest loved ones in fear of being judged or misunderstood. The problem is that it can get lonely for someone with anxiety who doesn’t have an “outlet” or a safe environment where they can find acceptance and support. Having a therapist listen to you, even via online counselling, can help lift some burden. In fact, knowing that you are not alone in your battles can be a great help and source of strength.
Anxiety can affect your quality of life, and the symptoms are not something you can ignore and just wish would go away. You can regain control of your life if you take the first step. Anxiety counselling and psychotherapy can help you determine what you need to manage your symptoms. Do not hesitate to seek help, as many people who go to therapy for their anxiety experience positive results. There should be no reason why you shouldn’t experience them, too!
Chettiar Counselling and Associates offers reliable anxiety counselling in Guelph, ON, and nearby areas. You can reach out to us, and we’ll provide you with a free phone consultation so that we can determine how our services can meet your needs – contact us today!
Anxiety is a common experience for many people. It can manifest in various ...
Managing stress and anxiety is more than just a personal struggle; it repre...
Anxiety disorders are amongst the most common mental health concerns across...
