What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress.  It helps us to deal with a tense situation, or to study hard for a very important exam,  or at the most primal level, to run away from a threatening tiger!  The fight or flight response is engaged and ready to address any threat that may come our way; which is good.  The challenge occurs when we are in a chronic state of anxiety and we are reacting to situational stressors that do not threaten our life in ways that do not serve us well.

How does it feel?

We may experience a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. The worry or sense of “unease” is pervasive throughout our life and when it begins to take over, the anxiety controls us.  We may experience panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias, an inability to sleep, OCD behaviours, or a general sense of feeling “keyed up.”  Many of us recognize this state of being and at some level we may accept it as reality and believe we are destined to feel anxious for the rest of our lives.

At Psychology Calgary, we recognize the pervasiveness of anxiety, especially in today’s fast-paced society.  We help you understand the role anxiety is playing in your life, and provide wonderful strategies to help lessen, or even remove the anxiety.

Imagine…a life without the panic?  A life lived in the present moment?  The ability to face your fears and not be paralyzed by them?

By utilizing cognitive-behavioural strategies, mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and neurofeedback, we are here to help.

At the heart of anxiety is being chronically and habitually plugged in to that “fight or flight” response and what we can help you understand is that this does not have to control you.  We help you engage the parasympathetic nervous system (the relaxation response) and experience greater clarity, peace of mind, confidence, and an overall sense of well-being.

Please know that anxiety and anxiety related disorders are one of the most common presenting issues that we work with and believe our approach has been an effective approach that has helped countless individuals.

We can help by offering individual counselling and/or neurofeedback to help you achieve the life that you deserve.