In Canton, GA, therapists deal with anything from marriage strife to serious mental health conditions. Among the most common concerns are anxiety, depression, and body image issues. Why? Because all three are common human experiences. They all involve feelings we have all had at one point or another. If you think you might have symptoms of any of the three, take a look at what they are and how to identify them.
Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. It’s our body’s way of keeping us safe from harm. We feel anxiety when we feel at risk or in danger, or when we’re worried or apprehensive. It becomes more when the feelings are pervasive. When your feelings of anxiety are more than a temporary reaction or a short-lived fear, it might be anxiety disorder.
Where do we see it in daily life? If you have GAD or general anxiety disorder, it can pop up anytime, anywhere. It’s a constant part of your life, something you feel every day. It can involve feelings of intense anxiety that come on suddenly, and repeatedly. The symptoms include:
● Nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense or on edge
● A sense of impending doom or danger
● A sense of panic
● Increased heart rate
● Rapid breathing
● Sweating, trembling, and feeling weak or tired
● Difficulty concentrating on anything other than the feelings of anxiety
● Difficulty sleeping and feeling tired and fatigued
● Avoiding things that tend to trigger the anxiety
Depression
Depression is a serious mood disorder that is more than just feeling blue, sad, or tired. It can affect how you function, think, behave, and manage daily activities. It can impact your sleep, health, work, and relationships. If you have had any of the following symptoms every day for at least two weeks, you could have depression.
● Persistent feelings of sadness
● Feeling hopeless, worthless, or helpless
● Irritability
● Feelings of guilt
● Loss of interests in activities that you normally enjoy
● Fatigue and loss of energy
● Restlessness
● Difficulty making decisions, trouble concentrating, or issues with memory
● Trouble staying asleep or consistently oversleeping
● Suicidal thoughts
● Health issues including headaches, digestive upset, and aches and pains
Negative Body Image
We all look in the mirror, and there are days when we don’t love what we see. We might look tired or puffy or wish we’d gotten a haircut or had different clothes or could lose a few pounds. This kind of self-examination is normal. It becomes an issue when there is a persistent preoccupation with some aspect of your appearance.
Whether it’s your hair, your weight, your skin, your nose, or your feet, the belief that something is inherently wrong with your appearance can affect your daily life. It can lead to social anxiety and avoidance of friends, family, activities, events, and gatherings where there might be the belief that others see your perceived flaws as you do. It can also lead to excessive grooming, exercising, clothing changes, and comparing yourself to others. It can even turn into an anxiety disorder and depression.
Help from a Canton GA Therapist
If you feel like you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, but you feel helpless to do anything about them, Positive Living Psychotherapy can help. We specialize in positive psychology to help alleviate the negative feelings and work toward developing healthy coping skills and a shift in mindset.
Schedule your first session online with our Canton GA therapist or call us at 770-552-0333 to get started on the path to a happier, healthier you.