Have you been feeling overwhelmed and anxious?

You’re not alone. In fact, right now in the US, anxiety-related disorders are the top mental health conditions that people most commonly struggle with.

Some of these include social anxiety, phobias, general anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

So much is changing in the world right now, and anxiety can be a very real response as our routines and expectations for the future change alongside it.

So how can online therapy help with anxiety-related issues? Here are some common anxiety issues and why doing therapy online could be helpful:

1. Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety is actually pretty common even if it feels like you’re the only one experiencing it. About 15 million people in the US have social anxiety.

Some symptoms of social anxiety may include:

• Blushing

• Fast heartbeat

• Trembling

• Sweating

• Upset stomach or nausea

• Trouble catching your breath

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Feeling that your mind has gone blank

Social anxiety can be triggered from a multitude of different reasons, but having the option to attend therapy from the comfort of your own home can be a way to ease many of these triggers. Knowing what to expect from your surroundings can be helpful to keep your anxiety at bay, and online therapy is the perfect solution for feeling safe in your environment!

2. Phobias

A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, or situation. Phobias are the most common mental health condition in the US, with around 19 million people dealing with some form of them.

Some symptoms of experiencing exposure to a phobia may include:

• Unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Increased heart rate  

• Shortness of breath

• Trembling or shaking

• An upset stomach

Some of the most common phobias include:

• Claustrophobia – fear of confined spaces

• Agoraphobia – fear of open spaces and public places

• Social phobia – fear of social situations (synonymous with social anxiety)

Again, just like with social anxiety, having the option to do online therapy can be very convenient if you’re experiencing these issues. This isn’t to say you should avoid addressing your fear head-on, but especially at the beginning stages of therapy, getting to have relief from triggers that may onset your symptoms can be helpful.

3. General Anxiety Disorder

GAD makes it difficult to control worry. You might worry more than seems warranted about actual events or expect the worst even when there is no obvious reason for concern.  

The exact cause of General Anxiety Disorder is unknown, but there is evidence that biological factors, family background, and life experiences, particularly stressful ones, play a role.

Once again if you feel like you’re alone in experiencing GAD, you’re actually among 6.8 million others in the US alone.

Some symptoms of GAD may include:

• Feeling nervous, irritable, or on edge

• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom

• Having an increased heart rate

• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation), sweating, and/or trembling

• Feeling weak or tired

• Difficulty concentrating

• Having trouble sleeping

• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems

The good news is, for those struggling with General Anxiety Disorder, a therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven to be most effective. Even better news, CBT is proven to be just as effective online as it is in person!

4. Panic Disorders

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and high levels of anxiety. Panic attacks can occur without warning or in response to a stressor.

Some symptoms of Panic Disorders may include:

• An intense sense of impending doom 

• Feeling helpless or out of control 

• A fear of dying or having a heart attack

• Tunnel vision

• Rapid heartbeat 

• Sweating 

• Nausea 

• Muscle tightness 

• Short or gasping breaths 

• Chills or hot flashes 

• Tremors 

• Abdominal cramping 

• Chest pain 

• Lightheadedness 

• Numbness or tingling sensations

• Feeling detached from reality (i.e. dissociating)

Panic Disorders can be associated with environmental stressors, trauma, genetics, and brain chemistry.

The most popular way to treat panic disorder is seeing a trained CBT therapist.

Here at Calm Again Counseling, we have counselors that specialize in CBT treatment, and can give you the attention you’re needing through online sessions.

Other Advantages of receiving Online Therapy for Anxiety

• If trying to schedule out time for therapy sessions within your already busy schedule is stressing you out, being able to cut out the drive-time there and back can be reason enough to take advantage of online therapy.

• A 45-50 minute session will literally be just that, nothing else will take your time other than hopping on the session and getting back to your day.

• No more worrying about traffic, parking, or getting gas right before (if you tend to put that off like me!)

Want fast help now with anxiety? Watch the video below for more tips from a licensed counselor!

Ready to get started with counseling?