Why We Should Always Seek Help
Even though I work with individuals struggling with a wide range of mental health conditions, my specialty these days is anxiety. I work with people that are struggling with anxiety, whether it’s feelings of nervousness, phobias, physical symptoms, panic attacks, or something else.
I also tell anyone I meet that it’s not about the disorder, or the severity of what you’re struggling with. Honestly, I think everyone should see a therapist, as it’s always helpful to talk to someone when you’re experiencing stress, it’s good to have a partner to talk to, and life is always filled with ups and downs that benefit from a good relationship with a therapist.
But another reason to always see a therapist is because some people *DO* have a mental health condition, but doesn’t seek help for it because it’s manageable. Anxiety is unique in that, unless it is severe, many people can still relatively function in some form in their day to day life. They can work. They can go to school.
While severe anxiety can be fairly debilitating, but moderate to mild anxiety – while still very problematic – can sometimes be managed in a way that allows someone to generally lead what we view as a “normal” or traditional life.
The problem is that manageable anxiety is still anxiety, and mental health is not static. What is manageable now may not be manageable later.
First – Worsening Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety can be manageable now, but there is no guarantee that it will be manageable later. Many issues, from added stress to added trauma, can all make anxiety worse. If you’re also not sleeping, or your anxiety is impacting your life just enough to keep you from reaching goals, your anxiety could get worse as a result.
We often envision a future where, if we can manage our anxiety now, it may stay the same or get better later. But that is not a guarantee. Address anxiety now to help improve your ability to manage it as time goes on.
Anxiety Leading to Depression
Perhaps more problematic, however, is that anxiety is, itself, stress. It is a condition that puts stress on the body and on the brain. The effects of long term stress are well documented, but to summarize the findings, long term and chronic stress can change how neurotransmitters in the brain operate, as well as how you think and feel.
As a result, what begins as mild anxiety may end up becoming a condition like depression, which can be even more impactful and lead to further worsening of symptoms.
What is Manageable Now May Not Be Manageable Later
We have a tendency to downplay our own mental health (and life) struggles. We shouldn’t. How we feel now, whether it’s manageable or not, can affect how we feel later.
Let’s talk about your anxiety. Let’s make sure that you’re getting the help you need. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re managing it. Know that there is so much more for you out there, and grab it by the hand. Give me a call today to learn more about my therapy services, or to get started.