anxiety symptoms

How Anxiety Disorders Develop: The “Spread” of Fear

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How Anxiety Disorders Develop: The “Spread” of Fear

Clients often ask, “Why do I have an anxiety disorder?” or “How did this happen to me?”. The Behavioral Associates Los Angeles Mental Health Psychiatric Resources for Anxiety and Mood Disorders Symptomsdevelopment of anxiety disorders is complex combination of genetic predispositions and learning experiences. However, this post will discuss one factor that distinguishes individuals with an anxiety disorder from those who do not develop anxiety disorders: fear generalization. Fear generalization refers to the process by which fear “spreads” from one object, sensation or situation to others that are similar to it. For example, a soldier returning home from combat may have fear when driving because his convoy was attacked on a road in the war zone. As this fear spreads to more and more situations, the individual may report greater impact on his daily life. Continue reading →

Where Are You Letting Your Thoughts Take You?

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Where Are You Letting Your Thoughts Take You?

The Anxiety Responsethinking head

Anxiety is a response to a perceived threat. Sometimes, there really is a threat. We have to jump out of the way of a car or are in a dangerous place. Often times however, we are actually in a safe place with no threat in sight. Yet threats in our minds (our thoughts) can often create the same anxiety response as a real threat right in front of you. Continue reading →

Why Can’t I Get A Good Night’s Rest?: The Relationship Between Anxiety and Sleep

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Why Can’t I Get A Good Night’s Rest?
sleeping

  • Do you have trouble sleeping because of anxiety?
  • Does it feel like every time you lie down to get some sleep, your brain starts running through every possible worry from the day?
  • Are you waking up in the middle of the night and can’t seem to shut off your brain?

 

Anxiety is a common causes of insomnia. With so much going on in our lives during the day (school, work, family, friends, bills, chores, etc), there is not only a lot to think about but also very little time to think about it…that is until our head hits the pillow at the end of the day. No matter how tired we may be, stress and anxiety seem to find a way to perk us and leave us sleepless. Understanding the impact of anxiety on sleep (and vice versa) is the first step to making changes that can lead you to a good night’s rest. Continue reading →

“Bringing Your Anxiety With You” For The Holidays

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Bringing Your Anxiety With You For The Holidaysman with suitcase

We have waited all year and they are finally here: The Winter Holidays. Holidays can be a time of
excitement, fun, and celebration. They often brings us together with loved ones near and far, giving us the opportunity to reconnect and strengthen our relationships. The holidays are also a
time to relax and unwind from the busy year behind us. For those who struggle with anxiety, however, holidays can also be a time of great trepidation. Family get-togethers, office parties, gift exchanges, and more can lead to increased anxiety. While it may seem necessary to “get rid” of your anxiety before you can enjoy the holidays, this blog will teach you how to “bring your anxiety along with you,” allowing you to enjoy the holidays in spite of your anxiety. Continue reading →

CBT for Panic Disorder: A Summary of an Effective Treatment Approach

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Identifying an Effective Treatment for Panic Disorder Cardio

If you have been diagnosed with a panic disorder, or if you think you might be struggling with panic attacks, therapy can be a helpful way of getting relief and finding ways to cope with future anxiety. Deciding on the right treatment for you can feel overwhelming, particularly if you have never been in therapy before. Fortunately, standards for evidence-based practices have been established to help you determine exactly what treatment will be most helpful in treating your panic. According to the best practice guidelines, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the treatment with the most evidence for its efficacy of the treatment of panic disorder. Below we will take a look at the common components of CBT treatment for panic. Continue reading →

Coping with Unwanted Thoughts

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Coping with Unwanted ThoughtsThought bubbles

Has anyone ever given you the advice “just don’t think about it,” when you share worries, fears or concerns? For most worriers this advice can feel defeating and near impossible. While the advice may be well meaning, the truth is that “just not thinking about something” is not only ineffective, the act of trying to avoid thinking about something can actually make you think about it more! Fortunately, cognitive behavioral therapies offer several effective techniques that can help you manage these unwanted thoughts. Continue reading →