Anxiety Therapist Jacksonville FL
Takeaway: If you struggle with constant worry, stress, and tension, you’re not alone. Thankfully, anxiety treatment in Jacksonville, FL can help you find a sense of peace. We specialize in supporting people with eating disorders break free from the pressure of diet culture and feel more calm around food and body image. Reach out today to get started.
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Each person's experience with eating disorders and anxiety disorders is unique. With that being said, data from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) suggests that more than half of people with eating disorders also struggle with anxiety disorders. There is also a strong link between eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and other behavioral and mental health issues.
Struggling with anxiety symptoms doesn't necessarily mean that you'll also have disordered eating behaviors. The reverse is also true: disordered eating doesn't guarantee that you'll have an anxiety disorder. And if you do have both, it's not clear that one "causes" the other. Most likely, there are a variety of factors that increase a person's risk of developing a behavioral or mental health issue.
Our therapists want to help you get to the root of your symptoms, no matter if you're struggling with anxiety alone or in the context of disordered eating habits. By learning where your anxiety comes from, we can better understand how to help you reconnect to your true purpose and live a life you love.
Understanding the relationship between eating disorders & anxiety
How do I know if I have an anxiety disorder?
Everyone experiences stress or worry now and then. However, having an anxiety disorder means that these feelings are more frequent and intense. They significantly impact your relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
Here's a broad overview of some common anxiety disorders. Keep in mind that you don't need a diagnosed anxiety disorder to start therapy. Your therapist will conduct an assessment to get a better idea of what symptoms you're struggling with.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Common symptoms include worry that's difficult to control, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, trouble relaxing, and physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or upset stomach.
Panic disorder
People with this anxiety disorder experience panic attacks. During a panic attack, people experience symptoms like intense fear, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, and more.
Social anxiety
People with social anxiety disorder experience a fear of being judged or perceived negatively by others. They may blush, tremble, or avoid eye contact in social situations. They may also avoid certain social situations altogether.
Related disorders
Anxiety can sometimes be a symptom of other mental health issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
Our approach to anxiety treatment in Jacksonville, FL
Our therapists specialize in supporting people with eating disorders. However, you don't necessarily need a diagnosed eating disorder to work with us. We see many people who struggle with their relationship with food, body, and overall self-image. Diet culture impacts us all, and it's worth unraveling how it may (or may not) contribute to your anxiety symptoms.
No matter your specific situation, your therapist recognizes you as a unique individual. We also recognize the therapeutic relationship as an essential component of the healing process. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, so we take time to get to know each of our clients.
Since we're a group practice, you have a variety of treatment options. Our therapists are trained in a wide range of different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), narrative exposure therapy, and more.
Your licensed mental health counselor will work with you to identify which treatments might work best and create a customized plan that's tailored to your situation. While each of our therapists offers a different approach, we are all committed to providing evidence-based care to help you thrive.
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FAQs about anxiety treatment in Jacksonville, FL
What are some coping strategies for anxiety?
- Breathing exercises. Try inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven, and exhaling for eight. Repeat several times and feel your body start to relax.
- Challenge negative thoughts. Take note of when worry thoughts start popping into your head. Is it possible that they aren't true, or that they're exaggerating something that could be true? See if you can adjust your thoughts accordingly.
- Mindfulness skills. There's a reason these are so popular in the mental health field—they really work. Challenge yourself to tap into all five senses and really notice the environment around you.
- Get a good night's sleep. This can be easier said than done when you're feeling anxious. However, practicing good sleep hygiene can support your overall mood and well-being.
Remember, coping skills aren't a replacement for talk therapy. It's important to know that crisis resources are also available to you. If you're in significant emotional distress or need urgent support, we encourage you to call or text 988.
Is therapy worth it for anxiety?
Yes! Therapy can absolutely help with anxiety. We've seen firsthand how therapy can help people learn to live beyond their anxiety and finally reconnect with their true purpose. You don't have to stay stuck in anxious thoughts and behavior patterns any longer.
Many people have the misconception that you need to have severe anxiety in order to get help. Thankfully, this is not the case. Even if your symptoms are mild, you still deserve support and can benefit from working with a therapist.
Which therapy is best for anxiety?
There are many effective treatment options for anxiety. Our therapists use a wide variety of evidence-based practices in order to help you get to the root of your anxiety, find relief from your symptoms, and learn new ways of coping.
You can read more about the types of therapy that our team uses by visiting our "Meet the Therapists" page. Part of effective therapy is also about making a connection with your clinician. It's important to find a therapist you feel comfortable opening up to. We offer free consultations so you can get a better sense of what working with us would be like.
Our anxiety therapists in Jacksonville, FL can help you find the emotional freedom you've been looking for.
Ready to get started? Our team of therapists is here to support you. Together, we can get to the root of your anxiety and unlearn the patterns that hold you back. Reach out today to start the process. We look forward to hearing from you!
