Is it normal to feel this anxious?

By Elizabeth Ernest, LMSW, S-MFT

The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes. Anxiety can be helpful at times, like when it motivates us to study for that test or get to work on time. However, when anxiety becomes so distressing that it impacts your ability to sleep, eat, get things done, or enjoy life, it has likely risen to the level of an anxiety disorder.

Do you ever feel like you are alone in suffering from racing thoughts, tightness in your chest, brain fog, or fear? 

Unfortunately, you are not alone in feeling this way. Recent studies indicate an increase in the percentage of adults who reported symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the highest increase seen among those ages 18-29.

Over the past two years, many people have struggled with feeling out of control and uncertain about the future. Brené Brown says in her newest book, Atlas of the Heart, that intolerance for uncertainty contributes to anxiety. While difficulty accepting uncertainty has always been an issue for many people, some are finding this to be a new struggle for them. 

If your anxiety is making it hard for you to do the things you normally do, please know that you do not have to live this way. Anxiety disorders are very treatable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment, meaning that it has been proven effective in treating anxiety disorders. Research has also found mindfulness to be extremely helpful in managing anxiety, and the combination of CBT and mindfulness often allows people to return to their normal level of functioning. 

So, if your anxiety has been holding you back in life or making you feel miserable, there is hope. We have many therapists at The Center for Mindfulness & CBT who use CBT and/or mindfulness to treat children, teens, and adults with anxiety. While many people prefer one-on-one therapy, there are also significant advantages to learning CBT and mindfulness in a group setting. These advantages include lower cost, increased accountability, and peer support.

Elizabeth Ernest, LMSW, S-MFT is starting a new CBT & Mindfulness Course for Anxiety to teach adults and mature teens the skills they need to combat anxiety. If you are missing out on living the life you want to live due to anxiety, this course may be the place to get started. This course will be held Thursdays 12-12:45PM via Google Meet, starting February 10th. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@mindfulstl.com with any questions, or click here to register.