Persistent worrying as a result of ruminating thoughts is one of the core symptoms of many anxiety disorders. Paralyzing anxiety can be so overwhelming that you find it difficult to function throughout the day. Knowing how paralyzing anxiety can affect your life can encourage you to seek treatment.
Physical Symptoms Associated With Anxiety
Physical effects of anxiety often involve sweating, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing. A clear stressor, a significant life change, or a traumatic event can leave you feeling so jarred that you lack the ability to accomplish daily tasks. You might also make you think there is something physically wrong with you, causing you to seek a physical remedy for something that is actually emotional. If a doctor is not able to find anything physically wrong with you, the stress of not having a name for your physical symptoms can increase your anxiety.
Effects on Quality of Life
When your emotions lead to paralyzing anxiety, this can cause you to avoid any anxiety-provoking situations. For example, if flying on airplanes brings you a sense of dread, this can stop you from going out of town or limit your options for transportation to cars or buses. Preoccupying thoughts can make it challenging to respond to anything that happens to you, good or bad. People may look at you as aloof or distant if you do not respond to anything.
Treatment for Anxiety
One method of anxiety treatment uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you learn about the relationship between your anxiety and its corresponding behaviors. Meditation is another tool that enables you to focus on the present moment and put your ruminating thoughts on pause. Taking good care of your physical health can also reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Medications can also help you reduce the severity of your anxiety. They provide short-term relief for intense anxiety symptoms.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is another therapeutic method that allows you to recall anxiety-inducing situations without being triggered by them. By the end of a few sessions, your responses to specific triggers should be minimized.
Paralyzing anxiety can stop you from functioning in your daily activities. This can cause you to place unnecessary limitations on your life, constantly avoiding situations that make you nervous. By seeking treatment for paralyzing anxiety, you will learn how to get control over your life. At Alta Loma, we understand the consequences that come with anxiety, and we are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, life and coping skills education, medication management, mentorship, and much more. Call (866) 457-3843 for more information about our services.
