We all feel a low level of anxiety. However, it doesn’t affect how we live our lives. For some people, it can be debilitating. If you have had to give up things you want to do, or be unable to function in the manner in which you like, then you may need help.

How has your anxiety affected you? What have you had to give up or avoid in order to manage your anxiety? Here are some things that may be affected:

Relationships-have you avoided making new friends because you feared what they might think of you or that they may judge you? Do people avoid you because of your anxiety? Perhaps they are tired of hearing about it or they feel anxious around you?

Career-has it affected your job? Perhaps it has affected your ability to do your job, or you can’t make it into the office because you are so anxious. It may be that you spend hours at work gathering information on the Internet to reduce your anxiety. Have you spent a lot of time immobilized and unable to concentrate on your work?

What you do. Has your anxiety stopped you from going places or doing things because you are afraid to leave your house? Has it prevented you from flying someplace to go to a wedding or graduation? Have you missed social engagements because you are afraid?

Emotional energy-have you spent hours in your head worrying about something that you had no control over, trying to figure out ways to manage and control your anxiety, yet it doesn’t help? This can take up an enormous amount of emotional energy. Imagine what else you could be doing with this time if you weren’t so anxious.

Health-has this affected your health? There is a big relationship between stress and health. Do you get sick often? Or do you imagine your aches and pains are something serious? Do you spend a lot of time on the Internet researching your symptoms to make sure it isn’t something more serious?

Money-has this cost you financially? Do you go to the doctor more often because of your anxiety? Have you had to spend money on medication for your anxiety or for difficulty sleeping? Perhaps you have spent a lot on books, tapes or other methods to control your anxiety.

These are some signs that you may want to talk to a professional. This is one of the biggest reasons why people seek out psychotherapy. If you are struggling, give me a call at 713-304-6554.

Take care,

Debbie