Jenifer Garrido https://anxietytreatmentorlando.com/ My WordPress Blog Tue, 05 Mar 2024 17:01:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.4 179899448 Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder https://anxietytreatmentorlando.com/understanding-generalized-anxiety-disorder/ Tue, 05 Mar 2024 17:01:06 +0000 https://anxietytreatmentorlando.com/understanding-generalized-anxiety-disorder/ Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their: Health Family Work Money What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder? […]

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]]> Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their:

  • Health
  • Family
  • Work
  • Money

What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

The hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is constant, uncontrollable worrying. Many people with this condition know that their concerns are unfounded but can’t stop worrying about them regardless, often to the point where the worries begin interfering with their relationships and daily routine. Some individuals report feeling anxious for no apparent reason, as if they sense that something bad is about to happen, but they can’t put their finger on what it is.

If you have generalized anxiety disorder, you may also experience:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lightheadedness
  • Hot flashes and sweating
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tension and aches
  • Trembling and twitching
  • Nausea and diarrhea
  • Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness 
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Being easily startled

How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?

There are many options for managing anxiety, and a trained provider can recommend the approach that’s best suited to your specific needs. For example, treatment for generalized anxiety disorder may involve:

  • Taking medication
  • Attending counseling sessions
  • Learning coping skills
  • Using relaxation techniques
  • Making certain lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking)

Your Top Choice for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

If you think you might have generalized anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

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]]> 2872 OCD Behaviors: How do They Manifest? https://anxietytreatmentorlando.com/ocd-behaviors-how-do-they-manifest/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:00:41 +0000 https://anxietytreatmentorlando.com/ocd-behaviors-how-do-they-manifest/ Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects millions of people in this country from all walks of life. If you or a loved one suffers with OCD, you know the symptoms typically include developing strict routines or avoiding specific objects or situations. But what is the root cause of OCD and how exactly do these behaviors manifest? […]

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]]> Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects millions of people in this country from all walks of life. If you or a loved one suffers with OCD, you know the symptoms typically include developing strict routines or avoiding specific objects or situations. But what is the root cause of OCD and how exactly do these behaviors manifest? Once an individual understands how OCD behaviors show up, they can better manage their symptoms.

What Causes OCD?

Health experts are not able to point to one direct cause of OCD, though they have suggested that a family history of the condition may increase a person’s likelihood of developing the behaviors. In addition, it is thought that irregular brain development or impairment of certain regions in the brain may also be linked to the condition. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests OCD may be linked to how your brain responds to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep.

The following are some other believed factor that contribute to the manifestation of OCD behaviors:

Stress or Trauma

Suffering from stress or a traumatic event can increase a person’s chances of developing OCD or worsening existing symptoms.

Personality

Certain personality traits are predisposed to manifesting OCD behaviors. Those individuals who are perfectionists or have difficulty handling uncertainty may develop unwanted behaviors.

Childhood Abuse

Children who experience abuse or trauma have a higher chance of developing the condition.

Treating OCD

While the symptoms of OCD can make life feel unbearable, there is help. Often the best first step in recovery is to connect with a therapist who has experience successfully treating OCD.

If you’d like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

SOURCES:

https://lynnwinstendoc.com/how-do-ocd-behaviors-manifest/

https://www.healthline.com/health/ocd/social-signs

https://psychcentral.com/ocd/what-ocd-feels-like-being-absolutely-uncertain

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]]> 2849 How to Cope with the Stress and Anxiety Caused by COVID-19 https://anxietytreatmentorlando.com/how-to-cope-with-the-stress-and-anxiety-caused-by-covid-19/ Mon, 10 Aug 2020 20:00:26 +0000 https://anxietytreatmentorlando.com/how-to-cope-with-the-stress-and-anxiety-caused-by-covid-19/ If you’re like most people, you are doing your best to stay calm during COVID-19 pandemic. But that can feel incredibly difficult at times. When not worrying about friends and loved one’s health, there’s also the conflicting information provided by the media and the economic ramifications of the virus that have people on edge. Signs […]

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]]> If you’re like most people, you are doing your best to stay calm during COVID-19 pandemic. But that can feel incredibly difficult at times. When not worrying about friends and loved one’s health, there’s also the conflicting information provided by the media and the economic ramifications of the virus that have people on edge.

Signs of Emotional Distress and 6 Ways to Cope

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, but most will exhibit some of the following signs:

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

If you are experiencing significant stress right now, here are some ways you can cope:

1. Limit Media Consumption

Hearing the media constantly spread panic isn’t good for anyone. It’s important to stay rational and do your own research to uncover facts from fiction as well as stay positive.

2. Nurture Your Body and Spirit

Be sure to get outside for some fresh air and go for a walk. Eat right and make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Avoid consuming too much alcohol and try and find fun ways to reconnect with your family.

3. Tap into Your Sense of Fun

If you have kids, look to them for some good old-fashioned playtime. Play hide and seek in the house. Create an obstacle course in the back yard. Watch some of your favorite funny movies. Laughter really is the best medicine so get plenty of it!

4. Support Your Local Community

Many local businesses are hurting right now. If you’re still getting a paycheck, consider buying a gift card from a local restaurant, gym, hair salon, etc. to give them revenue now and you can use the card later. This will make you feel great at the same time.

5. Be a Role Model

Remember, your kids will ALWAYS look to you first to see how they should be thinking and feeling about something. So move about each day calmly and confidently and reassure your kids everything will be okay because it will be.

6. Use Your Time Constructively

For many of us, there is a silver lining in this situation in the form of extra time. What can you do with the extra time that isn’t being used to drive an hour or more each day in commuting? Focus on using this time wisely. Maybe you have an ever-growing list of home projects that you just never have time to tackle. Tackle them now, you’ll feel great about it later.

 

If you find yourself becoming too stressed or depressed during this time, I encourage you to connect with me. Speaking with a therapist can help you cope with the situation and navigate the days ahead. I am currently able to conduct sessions over the phone or via Skype, so you won’t even have to leave your home if your state is in lockdown.

SOURCES:

https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2020/03/covid-19-anxiety

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ep/behavioral/stress_covid19.pdf

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