Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety symptoms are somewhat different for each of the major types of anxiety disorders. However, there are some common features of anxiety, that most anyone can relate to. According the the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect about 40 million American adults (age 18 and over), or 18%, in a given year. That's a lot of anxious people, and in times of added stress - such as the current housing crisis, rising unemployment and uncertainty for our global future - the rates of anxiety are certain to be climbing higher.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Constant, or frequent exaggerated worries over health, money, family problems or other life issues, that you can't turn off
• Shortness of breath
• Sweaty palms and/or cold hands
• A feeling of tension, insecurity or nervousness
• Overwhelming fear of a particular thing (like snakes), or activity (like flying or public speaking)
• pounding heart, sweating, weakness, numbness, faintness, tingling hands or face
• Feeling that you are losing your mind, having a heart attack or dying
• Persistent upsetting thoughts (obsessions) or ritualistic/repetitive behaviors that you can't stop from doing (compulsions) in order to try to alleviate anxiety.
• Irritability, startle easily, easily agitated or provoked, or having flashbacks (intrusive, disturbing thoughts and vivid mental images of a past traumatic event)
• physical tension, stomach aches, diarrhea or constipation, tension headaches or migraines, back or neck aches, or other physical problems that don't have an obvious physical cause.
  

These are all possible symptoms of anxiety. As you can see, anxiety symptoms come in many different forms - some easy to identify, others not so easy. Regardless of which type of anxiety symptoms or which anxiety disorder you may have, psychotherapy -- and particularly energy psychology treatments, such as EFT can provide quick relief. What about medications? Medication for anxiety is the source of billions in profits for pharmaceutical companies. For decades, anxiety medication has been a top money maker. SSRI's (antidepressants), and benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) have been some of the most common medication treatments for anxiety. However, many people do not want to take medication, or at least would prefer to explore other options first. All medications carry the risk of unwanted side effects, and many lead quickly to dependence, requiring bigger and more frequent doses to continue getting the same effect. I have seen people admitted to psychiatric hospitals when they have gone off high doses of anti-anxiety medication and had severe withdrawal reactions. Research comparing the effects of EFT Tapping vs. anti-anxiety medications by using brain scans, suggests that with the anti-anxiety medication the same areas of the brain are still imbalanced and stressed -- it's just that you don't feel it while on the medication. For many people, when they stop the meds, the symptoms return. They don't produce the fundamental changes in the nervous system that allows for permanent and true relief. And they certainly do nothing to directly address the underlying emotional aspects that may be the root source of the anxiety.

In contrast, EFT has a very high success rate, within a relatively few number of sessions (usually between one and twelve); it is non-intrusive, has no side-effects, actually changes brain functioning, and usually has a long-lasting effect.

     For a full review of EFT and Energy Psychology Research, please visit the Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology research page.

If you are seeking treatment for anxiety symptoms, and would like to schedule an office appointment or phone consultation with Ben Schwarcz, MFT, please complete the following inquiry form, and you will be contacted promptly. All inquiries are confidential.

Learn more about how EFT/Meridian Tapping can be used to alleviate Anxiety Symptoms