COUNSELING FOR ANXIETY:

The word Anxiety is used widely and covers a broad range of experience. People can feel anxious about all sorts of things: anxious to get to your vacation spot, anxious to meet someone new. Anxiety that is a mood disorder is an experience that makes it difficult to go about life with a sense of confidence and ease. Common signs of an anxiety disorder include:

1. Difficulty engaging in daily activities that others seem to do so easily
2. A significantly uncomfortable physical experience when approaching certain places, people or situations: racing heart, numbness or tingling in your fingers, suddenly sweating or feeling cold, difficulty breathing, fuzzy thinking, restlessness
3. A strong desire to avoid the situations or people that trigger that discomfort
4. A predominant feeling of worry about something specific or about a broad range of things that make it difficult for the person to function: can’t turn off the worry and go to sleep; inability to perform uncomfortable work tasks and therefore, unable to get promotions at work; never throws anything away for fear it might be useful some day
5. Fears are out of proportion to the perceived threat

WHEN TO SEEK COUNSELING

While anxiety and worry are common experiences they warrant treatment when:

1. Your world begins to get smaller and smaller: you stop or significantly limit your driving; the variety of places you are willing to go to are decreasing or you want to be home all the time
2. You are having limited experiences in life and are feeling like you’re missing out
3. Important people in your life are expressing worry about your number or degree of fear(s)
4. You are becoming increasingly reliant on medication, other substances or people to feel comfortable or in control

The number of fears, the degrees to which one feels them, the degree of avoidance, and the level of disruption in one’s life are each unique to every individual. Some people find they can cope with their life with anxiety and others find it so debilitating or exhausting to manage they seek therapy. Affordable Counseling Center has offices in Tampa and Brandon and schedule your appointments around your busy schedule. (813) 244-1251 We are also online at: www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com

Also See: www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com &  www.starpointcounselingtampa.com

De-Stress In A Minute Or Less!

When stress hits, you can either lose your marbles or handle the overload with grace. Below are seven short-term fixes to help you accomplish the last mentioned, even if you only have a minute.

Try one (or two, or seven) of these effective, do-anywhere tips!

Take a deep breath: Taking a deep breath is a simple, effective way to calm your mind and give you perspective. Plus, deep breathing can release endorphins in your body, which will up your sense of well-being and make you feel more at ease.

Shout it out: Make an executive decision to remove yourself from a stressful situation to let it out in private. This way, you won’t mistakenly direct your frustration at an undeserving bystander.

Visualize a peaceful place: Even if you can’t physically get there, a mini mental vacation will bring you closer to your happy place.

Turn on your favorite tune: It’s no secret that music is a stress reliever and your favorite jam can help put things into perspective.

Peel an orange: I know your probably thinking how in the world that could help, but aromatherapy has been linked to reduced stress levels in adults. While you might not have any therapeutic oils on hand, chances are you can find an orange to peel.

Pet your pooch: According to the National Center for Infectious Diseases, spending time with your pet can decrease blood pressure.

Clean your desk: All that physical clutter could be a reflection of what’s happening inside. It’ll just take a minute, with the potential to reset your workflow and clear your head.

Cant figure out how to deal with the stress? Is it too overwhelming and starting to affect your life? Call us today and we can help you reduce stress, relieve pain, and make you feel better. (813)244-1251 

 www.starpointcounselingtampa.com