Anyone who lives with anxiety, no matter the severity, knows first hand just how difficult it can make life; racing thoughts, constant worry, and an overwhelming sense of dread.
Though it's possible to experience anxiety from a single situation, it is usually a symptom accompanying any of these four anxiety disorders:
Those disorders are:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Specific Phobias
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Despite the fact these disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the country, only 1/3 of those suffering seek help. This can be a direct result of several factors, including the stigmatization of mental illness, a busy schedule, lack of motivation, or lack of funds.
Fortunately, online therapy offers a convenient alternative to face-to-face counseling that is equally as effective.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Characterized by unwanted thoughts and obsessions, OCD affects 2.2 million U.S men and women. Compulsive behaviors and routines are often performed to ease anxiety, but other symptoms of this disorder include:
- Racing thoughts accompanied by irrational worrying
- Excessive concern with symmetry
- Fear of negative thoughts
- Hoarding
- Unwanted sexual thoughts
- Excessive self-doubt
- Cleaning compulsions
- Checking and re-checking things several times a day
- Repeating things a certain number of times
- Mental rituals
Often, OCD accompanies another mental illness - eating disorders, depression, or other anxiety disorders.
The illness responds very well to treatment and medication, meaning it's almost essential you seek help if you're suffering from OCD. If you're ashamed to go see someone, consider finding an online therapist to work within the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When something traumatic occurs, either emotionally or physically, it's normal to have some difficulty coping with things. Though it's normal to experience nightmares, flashbacks, or upsetting memories, there comes a point when a normal reaction becomes more serious.
When a month has passed since the incident and you are still extremely affected by it, you might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder; PTSD is classified by three main types of symptoms: Increased energy resulting in trouble sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating Flashbacks and nightmares Emotional numbness
It's common for PTSD to accompany depression, which can often be life-threatening. If you begin to experience suicidal or violent thoughts, contact your physician immediately.
Rape is the most common trigger for PTSD in women, but no matter your traumatic event, psychotherapy, and medication work very well in treating its symptoms. If you can't afford the high cost of counseling, virtual therapy might be an alternative option for you.
Specific Phobia
Specific phobias are more than just a slight fear of heights or spiders. Anyone suffering from a phobia knows how irrational their fear is, but can do nothing to stop the overwhelming reaction it causes.
Most phobias develop during childhood with no reason for onset. Today, 19 million Americans suffer daily from a specific phobia and can be set into a state of immense fear from just the thought of whatever scares them.
Therapy is one of the most effective means of overcoming a phobia, and online counseling is just as powerful.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
If your day-to-day life is filled with constant worry or exaggerated tension, you might be suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is typically classified by excessive worry that has been going on for at least six months.
Other Symptoms of GAD Include:
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Easily agitated
- Restlessness
- Headaches
- Hot flashes
GAD is often accompanied by depression or substance abuse, as it seldom occurs alone. Medication and therapy are the best treatment options available for GAD, which can be performed in person or through online therapy.
Online Therapy
There are a ton of reasons you may have avoided going to speak to a counselor. Maybe you don't have enough money, or you can't get the time off of work; maybe you're embarrassed and the thought of people seeing you in the waiting room gives you anxiety in itself.
Online therapy for anxiety and fear is comparable to face-to-face therapy and often comes at a fraction of the price. Since you'll be meeting with your therapist online, you can schedule appointments at any time and from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
The Virtual Therapist Network has a wide range of professional online therapists who are trained and experienced in phobias, fears, and anxiety and can provide you the online therapy you need in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
This article may be freely distributed in its entirety in any e-zine, newsletter, blog, or website as long as the website links remain intact, unchanged, and are included, in their entirety, with every reproduction.